Mahadeo reports probe underway into what went wrongTHE initial findings following investigations into four maternal deaths in Berbice, over the last five weeks, have been sent to the Ministry of Health in Georgetown but a more thorough probe is being done. So said the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo.

“Each death is investigated,” he assured, on Thursday, adding that there is a process which needs to be respected.
Mahadeo said the Region has done its investigating and, now, the Health Ministry is looking more thoroughly at the incidents.
He pointed out that, in the last four years, there have been no maternal deaths and the BRHA and other stakeholders are looking to ascertain what went wrong, so the necessary corrective measures can be taken.
Mahadeo said, during those four years, training has been facilitated locally and continued just last month, more specifically, specialised for midwives under the Alarm Training Programme (ATP).
He disclosed that the Health Ministry partnered with Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), one of its main technical support partners, to introduce the ATP, which is geared to upgrade practitioners’ skills to effectively address pregnancies, maternal emergencies and ensure safe motherhood.
Mahadeo said disciplinary measures have always been enforced when necessary but it is not something that is broadcast.
“If it is concluded that it was a case of negligence, then disciplinary actions will be the route taken,” he said.
To monitor the response, Mahadeo said patients receive from, not only hospitals in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne but health centres, surveys done at least four times a year.
“Based on the response we get from the patients, we make the necessary changes, all in an effort to improve the delivery of health care in the Region,” he informed this newspaper.
The Guyana Chronicle probed and found that such changes were made during this year, including the moving of doctors from Skeldon Hospital to New Amsterdam Hospital after complaints by patients.

RECENT DEATH
The most recent death was that of 21-year-old Yogeeta Bisham, mother of a two-year-old girl and her newborn daughter, whom she delivered on Wednesday last.
Bisham, of Number 60 Village, was admitted to Skeldon Hospital but, later, rushed to New Amsterdam Hospital, where she died.
Sometime between last Friday and Saturday, Acting Headmistress of Princetown Nursery School, at Corriverton, Mrs. Esther Dwarka-Bowlin died in childbirth while delivering a baby boy. The 28-year-old is reported to have bled to death at Skeldon Hospital.
Last month, 26-year-old Rebekha Chinamootoo, of Number 26 Village, as well, succumbed under similar circumstances after birthing a healthy baby boy by caesarean section at New Amsterdam Hospital.
Two days before Chinamootoo’s death, 16-year-old Nadira Sammy, of Number 69 Village, Corentyne, as well, lost her life at New Amsterdam Hospital. She had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and passed away before her baby was born.
Sources within the Ministry of Health also confirmed that, for this year, there have been 17 maternal deaths, so far.