Urgent Maintenance Needed at Vaama Maternal and Child Health Post in Pujehun District

The Vaama Maternal and Child Health Post (MCHP) and its staff quarters in Kpanga Krim Chiefdom, Pujehun District, are in a dire state of disrepair, prompting urgent calls for immediate maintenance.

The facility, essential for addressing the health needs of mothers and children in the area, is currently facing severe infrastructural challenges that hinder its ability to provide effective healthcare services.

The most pressing issue is the severely leaking roof. The corroded zinc roof has allowed rainwater to pour into the facility, especially during the recent rainy season, disrupting hospital operations. Medical equipment, furniture, and patient care areas have all been affected by the leaks, raising concerns about safety and hygiene standards.

A health worker at the Vaama MCHP, Michaella Bundu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “untenable.” She explained that the roof leakage is not only damaging the hospital’s structure but also threatening the health of patients and staff. “Every time it rains, we are forced to use buckets to collect water inside the hospital.

This is not an environment where proper healthcare can be provided. We fear for the safety of our patients, especially mothers and children who rely on this facility,” Bundu stated.

Additionally, the staff quarters, which house healthcare workers, are in equally deplorable condition. Leaking roofs, cracked walls, and poor sanitation have made living conditions extremely difficult, discouraging morale. Some workers have reportedly considered leaving due to the lack of proper accommodation, which could worsen the already strained healthcare situation in the region.

The community of Vaama village in Kpanga Krim Chiefdom has expressed deep concern over the state of the hospital. Local residents, many of whom depend on the MCHP for prenatal, maternal, and child health services, fear that continued deterioration will force the facility’s closure. This would significantly impact the chiefdom, as it serves as the only accessible healthcare center for many residents in this remote area.

One community leader, Lahai Tucker, who wished to remain anonymous, stressed the facility’s importance to the chiefdom. “Vaama MCHP is a lifeline for this community. Mothers, pregnant women, and children rely on this hospital for essential healthcare services. If the government or relevant authorities do not step in to address these issues, we will be left without access to healthcare, which could have devastating consequences,” he lamented.

Calls for urgent intervention are growing louder, with community members and healthcare professionals urging the government and development partners to act swiftly. They are requesting comprehensive repairs to the hospital’s roofing, walls, and overall infrastructure to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.

Local authorities have highlighted the need for new medical equipment, improved sanitation, and upgraded staff quarters. The dilapidated condition of the facility, coupled with a lack of proper medical supplies, has limited the quality of care, resulting in delays and complications in patient treatment.

The Pujehun District Health Management Team (DHMT) has been informed of the dire situation, but so far, no substantial steps have been taken to address the problem. As the condition of the Vaama MCHP continues to worsen, the community remains hopeful for immediate maintenance before the situation becomes irreparable.