By Kizito CUDJOE
Omama Health Ghana and Omama Services Incorporated, based in the United States of America (USA), have jointly launched a campaign aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by nursing mothers in catering for their medical and related expenses post-childbirth.
Recognising the pervasive nature of this issue across many communities in Ghana and the continent at large, President and Chief Executive Officer of Omama Health Ghana and Omama Services Incorporated, Ohenyere Esi Antwi Boasiako, emphasised the need for intervention to be a game-changer.
She highlighted that governmental efforts alone may not suffice to provide immediate support to mothers burdened with mounting medical bills after delivery; which, in turn, contributes to infant mortality and maternal deaths.
Ohenyere Esi Antwi Boasiako stressed the necessity for benevolent individuals and the private sector to step in and address the plight of these needy mothers, emphasising that collective action is required.
Speaking after the initiative’s launch in Tarkwa, Western Region, she explained that the ‘Motherhood of Africa’ campaign not only covers medical bills, but also provides monetary assistance to beneficiaries. This financial support aims to empower mothers to engage in income-generating activities, however small, to ensure they can adequately care for their new-borns.
As part of the campaign, nursing mothers will also be enrolled for free on the National Health Insurance scheme, enhancing their access to healthcare services. During the campaign launch, medical bills for five nursing mothers were settled, with each recipient additionally receiving GH¢1,000 in financial support. Furthermore, 15 other nursing mothers from Premier Hospital at Ahwetieso and Tarkwa Municipal Hospital were provided with diapers, clothes and other essential items.
Ohenyere Esi Antwi Boasiako disclosed plans to extend the initiative’s reach to other parts of Ghana and eventually across Africa.
The Deputy Chief Anesthetist of Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, Gabriel Bechem, expressed optimism that the intervention would alleviate the difficulties faced by health facilities in handling mothers unable to settle their bills. He recounted instances where women in need went into labour without being registered on the health insurance scheme, often leading to adverse outcomes.
Commending the initiative, Mr. Bechem affirmed the hospital’s commitment to collaborating with the ‘Motherhood of Africa’ initiative to address such situations effectively in the future.
