The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health says accurate reporting of maternal deaths, delays in expectant mothers accessing care; and staff shortages remain serious challenges for the province’s maternal health sector.
The committee says it has also identified inconsistencies in maternal mortality reporting across multiple health information systems, which obscure the true scale of the crisis.
The committee held an oversight visit in Mogale City on Friday to check whether the Gauteng Health Department is successfully carrying out national guidelines aimed at improving maternal care and reducing deaths.
It found serious shortage of midwifery skills, putting expectant mothers at greater risk.
The committee says the department must intensify efforts to curb illegal abortions which contribute to maternal deaths, adding that more safer, accessible, and legal termination of pregnancy services be strengthened.
It also found that many pregnant women only seek medical care after 20 weeks, increasing risks for both mother and child; and has thus recommended more health awareness.
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