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Kumaka gets $47M Maternal Waiting Home
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Health on Sunday commissioned a $47 million maternal waiting home. In a statement, the ministry said that the 12-bed facility is located within the compound of the Kumaka District Hospital.
The maternal waiting home is aimed at promoting safer pregnancies and reducing maternal mortality in the Moruca Sub-District and, by extension, the hinterland region.
“The facility is purpose-built to provide expectant mothers from remote communities with a safe and comfortable environment to stay both before and after delivery. It features consultation and examination rooms, as well as a fully equipped laundry area and kitchen, ensuring both medical care and day-to-day convenience are readily available,” the ministry stated.
The $47M Kumaka Maternal Waiting Home which was commissioned on Sunday.
The Kumaka Maternal Waiting Home will also provide mothers with a secure and comfortable environment before and after delivery. Following childbirth at the adjacent hospital, mothers can return to the facility until they are ready to reunite with their families and travel back to their communities.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony during brief remarks at the commissioning ceremony reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reducing maternal deaths nationwide, particularly in hinterland regions including Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. He noted that, historically, pregnant women from remote villages often embarked on long and challenging journeys to hospitals only after labour had begun, sometimes resulting in deliveries en route and preventable complications.
“Most maternal deaths are preventable, and we must take deliberate actions to avoid them,” he said.
To address this challenge, the ministry shared that it has been constructing similar homes at interior hospitals. These facilities allow pregnant women, particularly those at risk or residing in remote areas, to travel to hospital early, stay nearby, and access professional care when labour begins.
Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region One, Dr. Steven Cheefoon, expressed deep appreciation for healthcare workers who have witnessed the region’s transformation. He recalled the challenges faced during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Moruca lacked X-ray services and a functional laboratory.
“Today, we are commissioning digital X-rays and a maternal waiting home where mothers can relax in comfort, be closely monitored, and deliver healthy babies. A healthy baby is the first step to a successful future,” Dr. Cheefoon said.
Dr. Cheefoon reaffirmed the region’s commitment to eliminating maternal deaths, stillbirths, and preventable complications, goals that are now within reach.
“Let us all share in this joy today. This is a milestone for Moruca and a proud moment for Region One,” he added.
This publication understands that currently, eight maternal waiting homes are operational across Guyana, providing a combined capacity of approximately 169 beds.
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