The Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, recorded more than 20 pregnancy related deaths during the last quarter of 2013.

Ms Angelina Sagoe, Head of the Obstetric and Genecology Unit of the hospital, who spoke to Ghana News Agency in an interview, attributed the increase in maternal deaths to the delay of the expectant mothers to seek medical attention.

Ms Sagoe, also a Principal Nurse said: “Patients are always brought in poor conditions, which only take a miracle to make a difference.”

She said some pregnant women also refuse to attend antenatal clinics despite the free maternal care by government through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Ms Sagoe entreated district hospitals, clinics and the CHIPS compounds to refer their patients to the hospital early for emergency care.

Meanwhile, the hospital recorded six normal deliveries and one caesarean section on New Year’s Day which produced two male twins.