We Are Investigating Pregnant Woman's Death - Ashanti Regional Health Director

The Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang says they have commenced investigations into the death of a 30-year-old pregnant woman at the South Suntreso government hospital in Kumasi.

A 30-year-old pregnant woman died with her unborn baby at the Suntreso Government Hospital in Kumasi on Wednesday, 4 July 2018 after the health post refused her entry into the labour ward because her husband could not immediately pay a GHc500 'Doctor Motivation Fee'.

Angela Afriyie Agyemang later died at the theatre just as her husband had made available the GHc500 fee for which she had been denied medical attention.

According to him he has been informed about the unfortunate incident, but they will investigate to find out  what actually caused the death of the young woman.

Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he indicated that it is too early to draw conclusions into the matter, but the regional health directorate have taken the matter up and have instituted a committee to investigate it.

When the Medical Officer in question is found culpable, he will be forwarded to the Dental and Medical Council for appropriate sanctions to be taken.

He expressed his condolences to the deceased's family and husband and assured them that his out fit will look into the incident and bring it to full disclosure.

Pastor Solomon Lamo Latiff of the House of Faith Ministry in Kumasi, husband to the deceased, said he had taken his wife to the hospital the previous day when she started experiencing labour pangs after her due date exceeded by a week.

He says that one Dr Sarpong then informed him that a Caesarean Section (CS) was to be done but not until he had paid the GHc500 'Doctor Motivation Fee'.

Pastor Agyemang said he intends suing the hospital for medical negligence, since, according to him, the hospital allowed several other women in labour into the theatre while his wife was kept sitting in a wheelchair for over three hours due to his inability to immediately pay the GHc500 'Doctor Motivation Fee'.

GHANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

The President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Frank Ankobea says they will also conduct an independent investigations into the matter.

He says he feels so sad about what has happened but urged the family to remain calm.

In an interview with Peace FM's Nana Yaw Kesse during Midday news bulletin, he however expressed worry about the lack of hospital beds in the health facilities.

To him it is about time Government pays attention to our health facilities, as the situation is getting out of hand.