CABINET, concerned about the recent increase in maternal deaths at health institutions countrywide, has put three stands in place, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon divulged Wednesday.
He said the tripartite approach involves heightened monitoring by Cabinet; amending regulations and not allowing the Ministry of Health to supervise itself.
As it relates to monitoring, Luncheon said a Cabinet Sub-Committee, meeting monthly, will be provided with a report of the deaths that occur every month, stating why they occurred.
He said the Sub-Committee would assess the deaths and the respective reports on them and submit the findings to Cabinet, whose members would provide their own directions and thoughts to the Health Ministry.
Luncheon said amendments under the Ministry of Health Act would heighten the scrutiny of maternal and infant mortality and, with the amended regulations adopted, the Sub-Committee would conduct an examination of the maternal deaths during the heightened period so that more information could be had.
On the Health Ministry no longer reporting to itself, he referred to the submission of service contracts which highlight the achievements in the sector at the various institutions and are a requirement for public scrutiny.
Additionally, reports of the findings, by the professional body appointed under the Health Facilities Licensing Act, will also be made public, all being measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations and activities of the Health Ministry to assure safe motherhood at all of the health clinics.