A heartbreaking situation is unfolding at Yeji Matthias Hospital in Ghana’s Pru East District, where several pregnant women are reportedly giving birth on the bare floor due to overcrowding and a lack of beds in the labour ward.

Health workers and residents are raising urgent concerns, calling on the government and health authorities to step in before the situation worsens.

According to Adom News’ Daniel Tachie, hospital staff explained that the labour ward at Yeji Matthias Hospital is far too small to manage the increasing number of deliveries. This has made it difficult for doctors and midwives to provide safe and respectful maternity care.

Dr. Evans Narh Dotcher, the Acting Medical Director, described the development as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”

“We are doing our best to save lives, but the environment is not conducive. Sometimes women in labour have to lie on the floor because all the beds are occupied. It breaks our hearts as health workers,” he said.

A mother who delivered at the hospital shared her painful experience.

“When I came to deliver, there was no bed available. I had to lie on the floor until space opened up. It was humiliating,” she recounted.

The hospital serves Yeji and nearby communities, yet its facilities have not expanded to match the rising patient numbers. Health officials warn that this overcrowding puts both mothers and babies at serious risk.

Senior Midwife Madam Vivian Baffoe has appealed to the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and development partners to build a modern maternity ward.

“Maternal health should be a top priority. No woman should go through labour on the floor. We are pleading with authorities to come to our aid,” she urged.

Residents remain hopeful that the government will respond swiftly to improve conditions at Yeji Matthias Hospital, ensuring safe and dignified deliveries for all expectant mothers.