Due to the countrywide lockdown to prevent further spread of coronavirus, pregnant women are suffering greatly. They are unable to access healthcare services, endangering their lives and the lives of newborns.
After the outbreak of coronavirus, private healthcare facilities, especially those in small towns and cities, have shut down causing a dire situation. The healthcare facilities that remain open are allegedly refusing service to these patients.
Normally, pregnant women are advised to visit the doctor a minimum of four times during their pregnancy. However, this has proven difficult for many as doctors are not available in many clinics due to coronavirus epidemic. Moreover, some women are avoiding going to hospitals as doing so would increase the risk of contracting the virus.
Those facing complications during their pregnancy are unable to access medical help. Many women in labour are being denied entry to hospitals and they are being forced to deliver without any medical assistance.
Many women in labour are being denied
entry to hospitals and they are being forced
to deliver without any medical assistance
Women are unable to access post-delivery healthcare as well as important checkups for newborns. This is greatly endangering maternal and neonatal health and the issue must be addressed immediately.
Due to shortages of PPE, many healthcare workers are at risk of contracting the virus. Therefore, going to the hospital has become risky for pregnant women. Moreover, our medical care system is already overwhelmed and unable to provide service to those who need it.
The government must ensure that healthcare access is ensured for all during this time of crisis. Obstetricians should be assigned to district and ward level to ensure that pregnant women are able to access healthcare professionals during an emergency.
Emergency hotlines should be set up for pregnant women to ensure that they can access medical advice without going to clinics unnecessarily. Special ambulances should also be allocated for expecting mothers in order to reduce the chance of contracting coronavirus.