Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), has emphatically refuted opposition leader Aubrey Norton’s assertions that maternal deaths in Guyana are increasing. During a media briefing at Freedom House, Dr. Jagdeo characterized Norton’s claims as “dishonest and shortsighted,” reflecting on the disastrous state of the healthcare system left by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration.
At an event marking the launch of APNU’s 2025 election campaign, Norton inaccurately suggested a rise in maternal deaths. However, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the progress made under the current government, which has significantly improved healthcare facilities, including the opening of new regional hospitals and the ongoing construction of others slated to complete by 2027.
Dr. Jagdeo criticized the previous administration for neglecting the healthcare sector, leading to insufficient medical supplies and decrepit healthcare infrastructures. In stark contrast, under the PPP/C’s governance, maternal health indicators are showing marked improvements. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates a decline in postpartum hemorrhage-related maternal deaths, from 23 cases in 2019 to 14 in 2024, and a substantial 60% drop in neonatal deaths so far this year compared to last year.
The administration’s commitment to healthcare includes establishing Neonatal Intensive Care Units across nine hospitals and providing maternal waiting homes for high-risk expectant mothers, among other initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes.
Source: guyanachronicle.com
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