The Central Regional Health Directorate has launched an investigation into a maternal death at the Kasoa Mother and Child Hospital, following allegations that the patient was denied a caesarean section due to lack of space in the recovery ward.
In a statement dated April 29, the Directorate confirmed it had constituted a multi-agency committee to conduct a “thorough, objective, and transparent” review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The committee draws members from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Trauma and Specialist Hospital, the Regional Health Directorate, the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Attorney-General’s office.
According to the Directorate, findings from the probe will be made public and are expected to guide measures to prevent similar incidents.
“We remain firmly committed to patient safety and the highest standards of maternal healthcare,” the statement said, while extending condolences to the bereaved family.
The Directorate also appealed for calm and urged the public to allow due process to ensure a credible outcome.
The deceased, identified as Opoku Abigail, reportedly died on Sunday, April 26, after being referred to the Kasoa Mother and Child Hospital from a private facility due to prolonged labour.
Her family alleges that requests for a caesarean section were declined by hospital staff, who cited a lack of available beds in the recovery ward.
According to a relative who spoke to Citi News, Abigail was left in severe pain for hours without medical intervention, despite repeated pleas for surgery.
“She was lying in pain, and even when she personally requested the CS, they didn’t mind her,” the relative said, adding that the family believes her death could have been prevented.
The woman is said to have died nearly 36 hours after arriving at the hospital, with the baby still in her womb.
Hospital authorities have yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
