Rabi mothers face accommodation gap before delivery

Expectant mothers on Rabi Island must relocate to the mainland at 32 weeks of pregnancy but receive no accommodation support until delivery.

Rabi Health Centre senior medical officer Dr Jone Turaga said the lack of housing assistance creates hardship for pregnant women who must stay on the mainland for at least five weeks before giving birth.

"After 32 weeks, we expect mothers to continue their antenatal clinics on mainland, which is a challenge for them," Dr Turaga said.

"The support there is lacking in terms of where they have to stay to be accommodated until 37 weeks that they have to go for safe delivery."

Antenatal clinics are regular health check-ups during pregnancy to monitor the wellbeing of both mother and baby.

The health centre does not provide delivery services because it lacks specialist staff and equipment needed to handle complications during childbirth.

"We do not provide delivery services on the island, just because we cannot cater for the complications of delivery might happen," Dr Turaga said.

"Where we need specialists available, where we need a standard operating theatre, where we need all equipment up to bar."

Mothers must arrange and pay for their own accommodation on the mainland while waiting to deliver.

"We are referring all antenatal mums up to 32 weeks to other hospitals where they have to cater for themselves, provide for themselves until they deliver," Dr Turaga said.

“Accommodation is entirely their responsibility.”

Dr Turaga hopes the Ministry of Health and Medical Services would establish delivery services on the island in future.

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