New maternal unit in Berbice nears completion

A new maternal unit is being constructed at the New Amsterdam hospital in Region Six, and Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says that a suite of services will be provided to pregnant and new mothers, and their children in a matter of months.

The Health Minister, during his COVID-19 update on Tuesday, said that the building is being constructed in the compound of the hospital.

According to previous reports, the construction of this facility costs some $191 million but modifications were needed.

“When we inherited the building, it was poorly designed so we had to do a lot of modifications,” the Health Minister explained on Tuesday.

Physical works should be completed in another two months’ time, and the facility should be opened shortly after.

Dr. Anthony said that the new unit will allow pregnant women to benefit from pre and post natal care. Additionally, there will be several delivery rooms, atleast two operating rooms and a maternity ward.

Altogether, these facilities are expected to provide better care to pregnant women, new mothers and their newborn babies.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that Regional Chairman David Armogan said that this initiative will ensure more obstetrics and gynaecology services through consultants are offered.

And with the expansion of facilities, a reduction of maternal deaths and infant mortality in the region.