The management of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital has blamed the residents for the persistent increase in maternal deaths as a result of alleged chronic ignorance and carelessness by caregivers.
An annual report presented by the hospital management showed that 57 women died during childbirth within the past year, and disturbingly, 45 of these fatalities occurred within just 30 minutes of the women’s arrival at the hospital.
The Director of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Ibrahim Bwaga, revealed these findings while appearing before Parliament’s Health Committee on Monday, January 13, 2025, to discuss the facility’s budget framework for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
These deaths, he said are mainly attributed to the long distances moved to access maternal healthcare services, which are approximately 100 kilometers away.
According to him, some residents were reluctant to seek necessary medical care and instead opted to prepare for burials rather than transport patients for critical care.
“There is that column for maternal deaths where the figure of 57 is indicated. Of the 57 maternal deaths, 45 occurred within 30 minutes of arrival at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital,” Dr Bwaga said.
“These patients often travel over 100 kilometers because our local district has not operationalized its theater,” he added.
The alarming statistics highlight systemic issues in maternal healthcare access, particularly in remote areas where facilities are inadequate.
“The lack of nearby medical services forces many women to undertake perilous journeys during labor, contributing to preventable deaths,” he added.
Dr Bwaga’s testimony underscores the urgent need for improved maternal health services and infrastructure in Uganda, particularly in rural districts.
The health committee is expected to consider these issues as it reviews the hospital’s budget proposals and seeks solutions to reduce maternal mortality rates.
The number of Ugandan women dying in childbirth has progressively reduced over the years.
According to the Uganda Health and Demographic Survey, maternal mortality reduced from 418 per 100,000 live births deaths in 2006 to 336/100,000 in 2016. Even then, some 6,000 women and adolescent girls still die every year from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. For every woman or girl who dies, an estimated 20 or 30 suffer injuries, infections or life-long disabilities including obstetric fistula.
