Number of daily deliveries at Pumwani Hospital drop due to pandemic

The number of deliveries at Pumwani Maternity Hospital has dropped from an average of 120 per day to 80.

The hospital, which is the largest maternity facility in the region, has been hit by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that has seen many mothers shy away from going to hospitals.

The hospital on Tuesday received personal protective equipment from UNFPA worth Sh4.5 million to go towards the Covid response.

The consignment consists of assorted supplies, including coveralls, goggles, shields, gowns, gumboots, sanitizers.

“The pandemic has affected health services but maternal services have to continue. The hospital had incidences where staff tested positive for the virus hence receiving such quality PPEs is an assurance to our mothers about their safety,” Medical Superintend Dr Beth Maina said.

In addition, UNFPA donated four midwifery birth models for use in enhancing skills of midwives in managing delivery in the labour wards at the facility.

The hospital is currently operating under emergency care only after some staff tested positive for the virus last month.

The operations have further been affected by the ongoing doctors’ strike.

“Covid-19 pandemic has strained the health system across the nation and worse within the city where the burden is heaviest,” UNFPA Representative Dr Ademola Oladije said.

“The Pumwani Maternity Hospital has witnessed a decline in the number of deliveries from an average of 120 per day to about 80. The concern should be where are the mothers giving birth? It ought to be in the hands of skilled birth attendants,” he said.

Oladije noted that health care workers serve in potentially life-threatening environments hence their safety should be assured.

“We take note of the many health workers who have been infected with the virus while in the line of duty; and our condolences to families and friends of the fallen soldiers.”