Tema Feb. 19 GNA - The crewmembers of Mercy ship, a charitable organization worldwide have constructed a multi-modern maternity ward for the Tema Polyclinic at the cost of nearly 120,000 US Dollars. The amount was contributed by Cargill West Africa, which has Mr. Leo Winters as its General Manager.

The 14-bed general ward with auxiliary offices and rooms has been furnished with beds, furniture and equipment at the cost of 23 million cedis by the crew.

The crew on board MU Anastasias that has been in the country since June 2006 rendered free medical services to needy Ghanaians. Speaking at the Commissioning ceremony, Team Dr. (Mrs.) Ernestina Mensah-Quainoo expressed optimism that the modern facilities in place would help reduce the increasing maternal deaths. She described the 30 maternal deaths recorded last year in Tema as outrageous and called on the communities to voluntarily assist pregnant mothers in various ways to have easy and safe delivery. Dr. (Mrs.) Mensah-Quainoo, said it is unacceptable for expectant mothers to die through childbirth.

To address the issue, a programmed dubbed, "Sister Keepers" was launched to create the awareness for the community to contribute towards health delivery. According to her, government, considering the plight of pregnant mothers have provided funding to support the under-privileged who cannot afford to settle their bills.

Madam Solfrid Quist, Executive Director of the Mercy Ship said they have conducted surgical operation on over 1,000 people and offered dental treatment.

Mrs. Cecilia Narh, Greater Accra Deputy Director of Nursing Services called on the midwives to work diligently to deliver mothers without problem.

She stressed the need for them to handle the equipment with care in order to prolong their lifespan.