Government officials in Region One who are eagerly waiting for the construction of the Moruca Maternal Waiting Home to commence says that once it is built they are confident that it will boost health care in the Region.
According to a Region One press release, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Latchmie Lall, confirmed that the construction of the Maternal Waiting Home, which is expected to accommodate 14 beds along with several other rooms to address maternal-related issues, is expected to commence this year, however, the contract is yet to be awarded. Lall noted that she is hoping that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board will “move swiftly” through that part of the process so that construction could begin. Further, Lall said that she was informed by the Engineer for Region One, Murwin Allison, that the cost of the project is estimated to $40 million. “The engineer’s estimate has been completed and the last thing that I am aware of is that it was at the National Tender Board so we in Health Services is anxiously awaiting the awarding of this contract, so that work can commence as the residents are eager to have this home constructed,” the release quoted Lall as saying.
It was explained that the primary function of the Maternal Waiting Home is to accommodate the high number of pregnant women in the Region and will also serve as a transition point for hinterland residents as they await delivery. The waiting home will also be equipped to handle challenges that women face at home during the latter part of pregnancy.
Lall added that the construction of the home will further enhance health care, saying that a lot of women who are living in far-flung communities usually encounter severe challenges when they are approaching their delivery dates. Hence, she said, the waiting home will ensure that those women have a safe delivery considering that they would be surrounded by professional medical workers. “This Maternal and Waiting Home is critically important to Region One as we have had some deaths and other challenges over the years and it is our view that with the completion of the waiting home it would certainly enhance deliveries of babies,” Lall said.
Regional Executive Officer of the Region, Randy Storm, echoed Lall’s statements saying that once the project, which is eagerly anticipated by residents, is completed, it will boost healthcare in the region, reminding however that the contract is yet to be awarded. He opined that the waiting home will no doubt impact the lives of many women.
The RHO also commented on a number of things she hopes will materialise which will improve health care in the region. She said for this year they are anticipating that the Mabaruma Regional Hospital (MRH) can become a regional teaching hospital. She explained that is needed to be done is to put the necessary accommodations in place and ensure that the theatre is functioning so residents of the region can access surgical services.
In addition there are plans to establish an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the MRH, which will allow the hospital to better handle increased medical difficulties. “We are also hoping that with approval from the budget committee in having the ICU unit up and functional as well…at Mabaruma Regional Hospital. We have recently completed a lab at Matthews Ridge [where] there is a district hospital, so we are looking to have an X-ray machine coming there and a number of other small services being provided in the Matarkai sub-district,” Lall said.
In addition, the press release stated that Lall said that the Port Kaituma Regional Hospital was expected to be completed by November, however, due to unforeseen circumstances the building was still under construction by the end of that month.
Another health-related project that is expected to be completed this year is a Conference Hall, which is projected to cost $10.9 million. The hall is being constructed by the Yahweh Conglomerate. According to Lall, that project will also enhance and improve health care in the region. The Regional Engineer has declared that the project is “moving ahead nicely” and he is satisfied with the quality of work thus far.
