Ghana have pulled up the strings to have a head start NHIS yet there is a lot to be done in hammering the benefits of NHIS to every community. Could this be the new approach to address the lack of a standardise maternity care? Research shows that there is no standardised antenatal and postnatal care within most African countries! The health care service on the whole around this area is very basic or none at all. This supposes serious health implications for the individuals concerned.

Antenatal and Post natal care

Although antenatal and postnatal services is not a standard service offered to most women in Ghana or is it? What happen if a mother is unable to afford antenatal care? Sadly, some percentage of women within our society become of one the statistics of complications associated with child birth. This is setting alarm bells ringing at the Ministry of health that perhaps issues around this areas are not being addressed. This would be considered as a challenge yet it might be worth exploring the alternatives approaches and involving some mothers on a periodic basis to assist in at the planning stage of the decision making process. The Government might find out that mothers input becomes critical in decising the most effective way of maternity services. There is no need to assume that certain aspect of the maternity care delivery would be acceptable.
Majority of women in Ghana, both the classes in our society use a formal saving channel or unofficial credit unions in Ghana (susu) to save up for important events in their lives. However there are another group of women who not not even have the money to save up for any running day.
At the same time every country needs these groups of people to compliment major employment and developments. This contribution to society should not be under estimated and undermined.
Are there any resources earmarked to help out in such developments of these key areas, essential to give children a good foundation in life. A provision worth considering perhaps. The eradication of global poverty begins from this area of concerns.

Progress of pregnancy

Ultrasonic scanning is currently routinely used as a means of assessing the development stages of a baby in uterus. Most would to be mothers are offered this facilitity which is part of the routine maternity care. Although the African woman?s expectation can not be matched with the developed world a half way package of care built in with the NHIS would save a huge number of women from mishaps and complications during child birth. This must be rather frustrating for any gynaecologist working in Africa. Do African women even expect such a standard at all? Africans are now politically astute and aware of what is happening globally. The introduction of the Internet has even made the world a smaller place to be and women are constantly comparing themselves with others just by the click of the computer.
Why is it then that there is so much difference in the way maternal care is delivered in Africa? This has life threatening implication to mother?s health resulting in death and other serious tragedies? Is this not preventable?
Do such statistics of this kind go to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to set the alarm bell ringing of the growing crisis to warrant a cause for an action plan? There is serious crisis in the antenatal and maternity services in Ghana and some parts of Africa? Is there recognised body in Ghana is the mouthpiece of such an out cry? If such statistics is monitored reviewed and evaluated monthly or quarterly then perhaps an action plan would follow. This information would help to address the diabolical problem mothers on the whole are facing throughout Africa.
Is this area of a concern in the Government own health agenda? Are there strategies to reduce maternal complications and death by a certain percentage at a specific time frame?

Dependency on the State

Although some women in the developed world may depend on their state welfare benefits for certain benefits the African women on the other hand do not have such choices. Yet they are very innovative and make do with very basic things in life but still happy. It would have been of greater help to have a sort of help available from our Government or voluntary organisation to assist some mothers in very difficult circumstances either financial or maternal mishaps until the mother capable resume her daily activities.
The truth of the matter is the African woman?s is left to the destiny of their faith, family and over stretched family relations in Diaspora to even spread their limited resources further a field if any. This is not easy option for any mother with children to fend for.
Every African woman should pat their back for these achievements as they have contributed to the development of the whole world. Ghanaians and other African nations are spread out across every continent on this planet earth. Thumbs up for that.
The status placed on women would need to be enhanced opportunistically during the International Women?s Day. The World Health Organisation, UNICEF and others could give awards for the tenacity and natural resilience African women contribute to the global economy.
Women in Africa really do sacrifice so much to see their family through into adulthood as compared to the many privileges enjoyed and taken for granted in the western world. It would be nice to see an ordinary person receiving such award during the International Women?s Day celebrations. Let us enhance the image of those who are really vulnerable within our society to promote their self worth and self-esteem.
Some people may argue that a collective contribution towards better maternity care system is necessary. However, while this is true not all mothers in the countries contribute .
Is it a Universal service? It may would be beneficial if maternity service throughout the world to alleviate what others women ght of African women is unbearable. It could be that as more women get key positions within the various Government posts this would help to highlight these concerns. Our women deserve the same right or a fairly adequate maternity care system as enjoyed by their women in the developed world. It becomes obvious why some women with good support back up go to the Western world to taste these privileges.
It would be help if men are given a sort of few days leave to bond with their new family to enhance our parenting image.
Current trend in the developed world
If we are talking of ?equity in maternity care and child service? worldwide it should be made a universal service supported by WHO, UNICEF and other related agencies. Children and families are mostly is the forefront even in wars, reflecting on the current situation in Sudan and Chad our neighbours.
Many Government s? get tops up in aids or loans to help assist various developments. Investment in these areas is also crucial to any country Government?s agenda.
Ghanaians and other African countries are fully aware about current maternity developments and what they as a nation are entitled to. Well, in spite of all these hardship African women in general counter they do have produce quality and value for children through shear resilience.
Gratitude
Many of us as Ghanaians owe our gratitude to the late President Kwame Nkrumah who saw this vision and benefits of education and even the current Government for giving Ghanaians the space for the freedom of speech. Hence, this has enlightened many people regardless where they come from to air their views. Late President Nkrumah?s vision has not only empowered Ghanaians to hold a Government to account to their own manifestos but also to appraise a Government on their positive achievements. Long term objectives towards a healthy nation may need to be considered during the planning stage of every underdeveloped country.