New Maternal Waiting Home Opens in Mabaruma to Ensure Safe Deliveries for Expectant Mothers
In a significant step towards achieving zero maternal deaths in Guyana, the Ministry of Health officially opened a new maternal waiting home in Mabaruma, Region One, on Tuesday.
The $46 million facility is designed to provide expectant mothers from remote and riverine areas with a safe and supportive environment before and after childbirth.
During the commissioning ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony emphasized the importance of the maternal waiting home in addressing challenges related to maternal and post-natal care, particularly for women living in far-flung regions.
The home will ensure that mothers from these areas receive the necessary care and support they need, both before delivery and in the critical post-natal period.One of the main concerns the new facility aims to address is the issue of expectant mothers failing to visit clinics in time for proper care, which can lead to complications during pregnancy.
The Minister urged the community to take full advantage of the services provided at the waiting home, noting that utilizing these services can help reduce complications and ensure a safe delivery.
The maternal waiting home concept has been successfully piloted in other regions, and the Ministry has seen positive results. Instead of waiting until they go into labor and having to travel long distances to reach the hospital, mothers can now stay at the waiting home closer to the medical facilities.
This seamless transition from home to hospital ensures that mothers can deliver safely.The facility allows mothers to come in as early as 34 weeks into their pregnancy, staying until they are ready to give birth.
By the time they are 36 to 40 weeks pregnant, they will be able to deliver in a hospital setting, following international health standards. Once their babies are born, mothers will return to the waiting home for post-natal care before heading back to their communities.
Dr. Steven Cheefoon, the Regional Health Officer, explained that the initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce maternal mortality and provide accessible, quality healthcare to all citizens.
The Mabaruma waiting home is now the eighth of its kind in the country and the second in Region One. It is a vital resource for mothers who would otherwise face great challenges in accessing timely medical care.
This new waiting home reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services for all Guyanese, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The Minister highlighted that investments in health infrastructure, such as the maternal waiting homes, are critical and aligned with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s goal to improve the lives of all citizens.
As the eighth maternal waiting home to open across Guyana, the Mabaruma facility stands as a testament to the progress being made in healthcare access and maternal care. With more homes planned, the government is taking concrete steps to ensure every mother in Guyana has access to safe, high-quality care during one of the most important times of her life.
