‘System not failing’ – says Health Minister on maternal deaths

In a heated exchange during a sitting National Assembly sitting on Monday, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony rejected claims made by former Health Minister Dr. Karen Cummings, that the country’s healthcare system is failing pregnant women.

Dr. Cummings, representing the opposition APNU+AFC party, suggested that the healthcare system was “hemorrhaging” and in critical need of reform following the deaths of three expectant mothers this year.

However, Dr. Anthony swiftly rebutted these assertions, emphasising the strides made under the current PPP/C government.

The Health Minister contrasted the present situation with the record of the previous administration. In 2018, the country recorded 23 maternal fatalities. The figure dropped to 14 in 2024.

Addressing the specific cases of maternal deaths in 2025, Dr. Anthony highlighted the complexity of the patients’ conditions, which occurred at the Port Mourant, Charity, and Bartica Hospitals.

These deaths, he said, were the result of severe medical issues such as ruptured arteries, bleeding, cardiogenic shock, severe anaemia, and multi-organ failure, complications that are not easily preventable despite the best healthcare efforts.

“The system did not fail,” Dr. Anthony declared.

“It was, in fact, highly responsive to these critical cases. While the conditions were severe, the healthcare system’s rapid reaction was evident,” he added.

The Minister also detailed the improvements in the healthcare sector since the PPP/C government took office, specifically in maternal and emergency care.

Dr. Anthony pointed to an increase in the number of operating theatres, which has more than doubled since the previous government’s tenure, from fewer than 10 to more than 24.

Along with the expansion of facilities, the Minister also highlighted the growth in the number of medical staff, improved supervision, and an overall elevation in the quality of care provided.

“The healthcare system has been improved to respond more effectively to these complex challenges,” he explained, dismissing the opposition’s claims as unfounded.