By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 125 new babies were born on New Year’s Day in various healthcare facilities across the North West. The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said, his department intends to strengthen its mother and child services towards the total eradication of maternal and infant mortality.
According to Sambatha, the first report in the early hours of the New Year’s Day revealed that the new-born babies were a total of 36, but almost quadrupled by the end of the day.
“We visited the Klerksdorp Hospital where we interacted with mothers and welcomed some of the new-born babies. We also donated a total of 50 gifts to the mothers and their babies at the same hospital.
“Welcoming new-born babies, signals a blessing and that is why I wish to send congratulations messages to all mothers, our nurses and doctors who delivered them. I am more pleased that we did not record any incidents of maternal and infant mortality. All the mothers and their babies are in good health,” he said.
Sambatha encouraged all pregnant women to report early for antenatal clinics, which prepare women for safe pregnancy and delivery on the day of giving birth. He further alerted the mothers to utilise the Home Affairs facilities inside the hospitals to register their babies for birth certificates.
“All four districts contributed to the 127 total with Bojanala leading. A total number of 45 children were born in Bojanala (28 males and 17 females) followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 31 new-born babies (14 males and 17 females).
“The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati welcomed 27 new-born babies (19 males and 8 females) and Ngaka Modiri Molema with 24 (15 males and 9 females). The total in terms of gender ended at 66 Males and 61 females,” said Sambatha.
The Guardian 