Stanta Clara.— Villa Clara’s low maternal-infant mortality rate over the first half of this year, is considered an important achievement for the province, with seven municipalities registering zero in both categories.
The province currently has a maternal-mortality rate of zero, and infant-mortality rate of 3.1 for every 1,000 live births; among the lowest in the country and less than the figure registered over the same period last year, which stood at 4 per every 1,000 live births.
According to Dr. Gilberto Sevilla Bermúdez, head of the Provincial Maternal-Infant Program (PAMI), the seven municipalities registering an maternal-infant mortality rate of zero are Manicaragua, Sagua la Grande, Remedios, Caibarién, Ranchuelo, Cifuentes and Santo Domingo, highlighting the efforts of all those involved in this accomplishment.
Among other achievements Dr. Sevilla noted the success of Plan Turquino, which covers the municipalities of Manicaragua and Remedios, noting that no maternal-infant deaths have been reported in these areas thus far this year.
In regards to actions undertaken to attain such figures, he highlighted the role of primary care services as the basis of the country’s healthcare system, as well as the vital contribution of the Prenatal Special Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Services at the Mariana Grajales University Hospital, as well as the intensive therapy unit and pediatric surgery team at the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital.
He also highlighted the contribution of the Cardiac Center and intensive care unit at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital, which treats high-risk pregnancy cases, as well as basic health teams which include a doctor, pediatrician, obstetrician and psychologist, who work to ensure zero maternal-infant moralities in the most remote areas of the province, noted the director.
Likewise, Dr. Sevilla emphasized the efforts of doctors and nurses working in health clinics in remote or mountainous areas, as well as that of obstetricians and related specialists who have helped to save dozens of lives.
Equally important have been pre-conception consultations, genetic programs for early detection of fetal abnormalities, and administering nutritional supplements in order to prevent anemia in expecting mothers, noted the head of Villa Clara’s Maternal-Infant Program.
