Cape Town - Western Cape health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo had stern words for expecting mothers, admonishing them for using alcohol while pregnant, teenage pregnancy and frequent births.
Mbombo launched an educational campaign, “What to expect – when you are expecting” for pregnant mothers on Monday. She said despite providing health information, many were not sure what to expect when approaching clinics while pregnant.
“Many have limited understanding about the effects of alcohol on an unborn baby while others fall pregnant either too young or too old, and put their lives at risk. But most importantly, many also don’t know that they have a right to good quality healthcare where they will be treated with dignity and respect,” said Mbombo.
Speaking during the launch of the information campaign at the Vanguard community health centre in Bonteheuwel, Mbombo cautioned patients not to settle for less, as the Patient Rights Charter called for quality treatment.
She also warned that health workers found not providing quality care to patients would be “held accountable”.
The campaign, which would be rolled out at different clinics and be merged into existing maternal programmes, was specifically designed to manage the expectations of mothers, and to provide guidelines to ensure healthy pregnancies.
“For any mother, having a baby can be a scary experience. We are determined to ensure that expecting mothers are better prepared and have better experiences at our facilities.
“This initiative forms part of the broader objectives of Healthcare 2030, which seeks to improve patient experience of the public healthcare system,” said Mbombo.
Cape Argus