Delay in seeking healthcare services by pregnant women

Several incidents have been reported to the Family Health Bureau (FHB) detailing delays in seeking healthcare services by pregnant women for danger signals, leading to deaths and severe morbid conditions.

In a letter to Director General of Health Services, Dr Asela Gunewardena, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Director at the FHB Dr. Chithramalee de Silva pointed out that maternal danger signals are routinely communicated by Public Health Midwives to pregnant women, but seem to have drawn less attention and priority during the current COVID-19 epidemic.

She also said all the government hospitals are available for 24 hours to treat pregnant women and if there is an emergency, they can obtain the 1990 ambulance service.

Therefore, she urged the Director General of Health Services to pay attention to the matter and take relevant actions accordingly. (Sheain Fernandopulle)