How to reduce maternal deaths, by gynaecologists

Group seeks end to Lagos, doctors' feudTHE Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), has urged governments to adopt a 'no-blame culture' in investigating all maternal deaths in hospitals and care centres.Besides, doctors under the aegis of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) have appealed to the Lagos State government and the state's striking doctors to end their feud.The President-elect, SOGON, Dr. Fred Achem, told The Guardian yesterday in Abuja at the society's training on advocacy that the 'no-blame' strategy would help decrease Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the country.He said it was important that governments or establishments using this strategy did not apply punitive measures so that concerned health professionals would not stop giving valuable information as to causes of death.The Secretary-General, SOGON, Dr. Chris Agboghor, said that many countries had established the process of the Maternal Death Review (MDR), which the society aimed to start applying.Chief facilitator, INTRAC, Jonathan Ellis, identified five key points to advocacy campaign to include lobbying, media, public mobilisation, allies and research.Achem stressed: 'We are seeking responsible state governments to adopt a 'no-blame-culture' in looking at why a particular mother died. It is also a system of account so all intervention centres like hospitals and homes that look after mothers report maternal deaths.'Then we could send a team to ascertain the reasons or time of deaths with sanction on anyone. This enables the centre to be amenable to change,' he added.At the end of an emergency meeting in Lagos on Monday, the AGPMPN urged the Lagos State government to revaluate its position, noting that dialogue, rather than strike, should be used to achieve the vision of healthcare in the state.AGPMPN National President, Dr. Anthony Omolola, said: 'It is a sad situation in Lagos State. We in AGPMPN are unhappy with the current strike and the attendant problems in Lagos State. We believe that however bad the situation may be, succour and solution must come. AGPMPN believes that strike should be the last option to be used to resolve conflict, especially when it concerns health.'We believe in constructive dialogue. And when all these processes failed, we go into the public domain so that members of the public would advocate for us as professionals. We are worried about the loss of lives of good people of Lagos State and our profession.
Click here to read full news..