The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to midwives concerning rampant corruption that has contributed to maternal and infant deaths in hospitals. Dr. Ronny made this statement, Bahatungire, the commissioner in the Ministry of Health, during a commemoration of the Birth.
Asphyxia Day at Jinja Hospital. Dr. Bahatungire highlighted the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality, attributing these
issues to corruption within hospitals. He stated that some midwives are demanding money from women in labour in exchange for medical assistance. He noted that the Busoga region has the highest rate of maternal deaths, largely due to early
pregnancies among girls under the age of 18.
The medical superintendent of Jinja hospital, Dr. Yayi Alfred, expressed his concern over these statistics and criticised women for opting to deliver in private hospitals instead of government facilities. He urged women to utilise government hospitals for safer childbirth.
The theme of the day focused on the significance of a baby crying at birth. Nurses emphasised the importance of this reflex and the potential consequences for infants who do not cry immediately after delivery. After the event, Dr. Bahatungire, accompanied by the medical superintendent of Jinja Hospital, visited a centre designated for infants who do not cry at birth.
