Authorities at the Ministry of Health (MoH) have abolished the practice of home delivery, which they said was ‘unsafe for the expected baby and the mother.’
But in an apparently violation of the warning for traditional birth attendants not do so, an elderly traditional midwife, Oldma Photo Lloyd, 70, of the Bonja Community was recently caught in the act allegedly causing the death an expected mother.
This resulted to the death of her patient; a source has said.
Meanwhile, the accused has been handed over to officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) on allegations of “medical malpractice” that reportedly led to the death of a 24-year-old Grace Junior. Grace has gone to deliver at the home of the accused.
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) in collaboration with the Montserrado County Health Team and the Ministry of Justice’s Public Safety Department, have launched a joint investigation which resulted to the arrest of Oldma Photo.
The LNP has since opened an official case and is expected to carry out further investigations on the accused.
However, according to investigative reports, MoH under the Integrated Traditional Midwifery Program, trained Oldma Photo and certified her on February 9, 2007.
But on the contrary to her training manual, she has allegedly been engaging in ‘unsafe maternal practices’ by conducting a home-based delivery in breach of national health protocols.
Trained Traditional Midwives (TTMs) are authorized to support maternal care within the community, but are mandated to work in close collaboration with licensed healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, MoH has warned TTMs to operate within the bounds of their training and policy regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of both mothers and infants.
Despite being assigned to a recognized health facility, Oldma Photo reportedly chose to carry out the delivery at her residence.
Investigators said the victim, Grace Junior, was brought to her around 5:00 a.m. for childbirth.
Rather than referring the patient to a hospital or to accredited medical center at the earliest sign of complications, the accused ‘kept her until about 1:00 p.m.; a delay that proved fatal after the patient began gasping for breath.’
Health investigators say the tragic incident could have been avoided had proper referral protocols been followed.
Source: The Liberia Medical and Dental Council/ Monrovia Latest News