In response to heart-wrenching revelations about high levels of anemia during pregnancy and other severe conditions in Suaman, in the Western North Region, Member of Parliament Joseph Betino has donated drugs to the Health Directorate.
The bulk of the drugs are intended to ensure that health facilities in Suaman are well-equipped to treat women during all phases of pregnancy and that “money is not a hindrance.”
Joseph Betino told ConnectNews that he took this step after hearing about “the alarming cases of anemia during pregnancy in my constituency.”
“In this day and age, challenges associated with pregnancy, like anemia, should be a thing of the past. Therefore, it is sad if it still persists. My pledge is to help reduce it to the barest minimum, and if possible, completely eliminate it,” he said.
“I’m presenting several boxes of ferrous sulfate (iron supplements), folic acid, and vitamin B12 injections for that purpose.”
In addition, the MP also donated other drugs, including prenatal vitamins, oxytocin, and misoprostol.
“I have committed to liaising with the Health Directorate to draw up a plan where I will provide drugs as needed. This will be formalized so we don’t have to wait for issues to escalate before we step in,” Betino added.
Mrs. Sethina Adukpo, the Suaman Health Director, described the gesture as timely, considering the worrying cases of anemia during pregnancy in the district.
“This has come at the right time, and we are grateful. The drugs will greatly support healthcare delivery, especially regarding pregnancy and related issues at the district hospital and the CHPS compounds spread across the district,” she said.
The MP also donated several essential and non-essential drugs, all together, valued at over sixty thousand Ghana cedis.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
