The North West MEC for Health, Dr Magome Masike has come out to say he is saddened by the maternal death which occurred in Ganyesa.
A pregnant woman was to go on labour at Kgokgojane Clinic near Ganyesa. The woman then suffered a retained placenta which resulted in excessive bleeding. Retained placenta is a condition where all or part of the placenta or membrane is left behind in the uterus during the third stage of labour.
The situation required emergency medical rescue services and the woman was transported urgently to Ganyesa District Hospital. The ambulance was then called instantly. It is however unfortunate that the ambulance was stopped by protestors for about two (2) hours en-route to the clinic leading to the pregnant mother’s death. However, the child has survived and is in good health.
“We have been working very hard to reduce infant and maternal mortality in the province because we believe one maternal death is one too many. Reduction of maternal and infant mortality is one of our key priorities. It is also a key Millennium Development Goals and this latest incident has set us back in our quest to reduce maternal and infant mortality”, said MEC Masike.
As a Department, we render essential services which are sometimes a matter of life and death as proven by this case. No matter how angry the communities are about their demands, there is no reason for anyone to stop an ambulance.
“We are deeply hurt by this loss and we share grief with the family of the deceased mother”, concluded MEC Masike.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 0829299958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
