Dutch firm to enhance maternal healthcare

A team from Royal Philips Electronics, a diversified health and well-being corporation, is in the country to provide clinical training to improve maternal and child healthcare in the country.The Dutch-based conglomerate is holding road shows in over 11 countries around Africa, including Rwanda, with an aim of raising awareness on healthcare with a focus on maternal and childcare to rein in child and maternal-related deaths.In an interview with The New Times, Martien Druiven, the General Manager of Philips Health Care, East Africa, said that they do not only manufacture electronic products, but also focus on improving people’s health through training, education and manufacturing equipment that can simplify healthcare treatment.“We are mainly looking at MDG 4 and 5 and we have so far worked with the Rwanda Military Hospital. We have trained over 80 healthcare providers in providing maternal and child healthcare from across the country. We are also improving healthcare technology in Rwanda.” Druiven noted that majority of maternal deaths are avoidable if the right processes are in place. He added that the Philips team would confer with the Ministry of Health and various stakeholders in the country on the role they can play to curb maternal and child deaths.According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of women dying from pregnancy-related causes annually stands at 340 per 100,000 live births and an under-five mortality rate of 64 per 1,000 live births.The Director of Rwanda Military Hospital, Col. Dr.Ben Karenzi, noted that maternal health has become pivotal and a priority for the country, observing that the training of healthcare professionals is a core component towards reducing pregnancy-related mortality rates.He commended Philips for the investment in people, technology and resources.The corporate communications manager of the Dutch firm, Radhika Choksey, said the multinational would also introduce clinical solutions focusing on Rwandan children and mothers through affordable technology.

National

Dutch firm to enhance maternal healthcare