Bolgatanga, Oct. 18, GNA - Statistics from the Upper East Directorate of Births and Death, have revealed that between 2003 and 2004 12,338 women gave birth at home as against 7,915 in hospital. Disclosing to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Mr Jojo Dolphine the Regional Director said the high number of expectant women who shun the services of orthodox health services had led to a number of health complications to lactating mothers and their newly born babies. He attributed the phenomenon mainly to the long distances people have to traverse to such facilities and the high illiteracy rate in the region.

Mr Dolphine noted that in order to remedy the situation, there was the need for the Ministry of Health to effectively and efficiently collaborate with other stakeholders to provide more clinics and maternity homes at the doorsteps of the people.

He also stressed the need for health institutions to train their staff to become friendly when discharging their duties in order not to discourage pregnant women from patronizing their services.