News
Tamale Central Hosp performs 540 fistula surgeries …out of 600 cases
The Tamale Central Hospital (TCH), in the Northern Regional capital has successfully carried out 540 Obstetric Fistula (OBF) surgeries, out of 600 cases over the past four years, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Mahamadu Mbiniwaya has disclosed.
He told the Ghanaian Times Thursday in Tamale that the surgery had saved the lives of the women and restored their dignity because they were objects of stigmatisation in their communities.
The cost of fistula surgery is $300 but the United Nations Population Fund (UNFA) supports the TCH, which is the main centre for fistula services for the six regions of the north, with logistics to carry out the surgery for free, he said.
OBF is a debilitating condition caused by obstructed labour, that creates a hole between the bladder and the vagina causing affected women to leak urine or faeces.
The incidence of OBF in Ghana is estimated at 1.8 per 1000 deliveries, according to a report on the burden of OBF in Ghana, authored by the UNFPA and Ghana Health Service in June, 2015.
The report says OBF remains a constant cause of misery to women because of the continuous leaking of urine or faeces and constant wetting of their clothes coupled with emitting of offensive smell.
Dr Mbiniwaya said that the condition was common with women in the rural areas who lacked access to healthcare during birth.
According to him about 90 per cent of women with OBF lose their babies during birth.
The renowned gynaecologist said he had been teaming up with other specialists from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to carry out the surgery to help restore the health and dignity of women.
He explained that the women suffered stigmatisation as a result of the condition adding, “They leak urine and smell badly when they are in the midst of other people, so they are shunned and stigmatised.”
Dr Mbiniwaya cited the case of a particular woman who had the condition and kept it to herself for over 30 years because of stigmatisation.
“We operate them, treat them and counsel them, they return to the communities to lead normal lives,” Dr Mbiniwaya said.
“One woman emotionally broke down and rendered her gratitude after she went through a successful fistula surgery,” he added.
He added that 20 women at Kpandai who had the condition were being prepared to undergo the surgery next month.
The TCH boss urged the women who had fistula to come forward for free surgery and treatment, and also encourage people not to stigmatise women with fistula.
Source: Ghanaian Times
News
NPP Caucus wasted our time and resources – Della Sowah
Member of Parliament for Kpando Constituency, Della Sowah has expressed disappointment in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs for failing to show up in Parliament yesterday.
According to her, never in the history of Parliament has this happened.
In an interview with the media, Della Sowah said, “The NPP only succeeded in wasting our time, personal and state resources with your action.”
She queried why the NPP Caucus would trigger a recall of Parliament only to refuse to show up in the chamber.
” If you are not ready,why did you petition the Speaker to recall Parliament?, ” she queried.
She said most of the MPs had to drive all the way from their Constituencies when the country had been told there was an urgent business to be conducted.
Della Sowah said it shows a s lack of maturity, adding that the NPP had taken the whole country for granted.
“The first letter they wrote for recall had five businesses two day after they brought an additional 17, and they did not show up when the house was finally recalled,” she said.
The recall, initiated by the NPP caucus, was expected to address several critical issues and government business.
However, as they failed to appear in the Chamber, Speaker Bagbin expressed disappointment and adjourned the house indefinitely.
“In view of the failure of the business committee to sit, as a result of the refusal of those who requested a recall to show up, we are compelled to once again adjourn the sitting of the house. Knowing the challenges we are facing, it is not advisable to be adjourning from day to day. So, I will proceed once more to adjourn the meeting indefinitely,” he stated.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Maison Yusif unveils nine captivating fragrances
Yusif Meizongo Jnr, the Chief Executive Officer of Maison Yusif, the leading fragrance house in the country has unveiled nine unique and evocative perfumes adding to his numerous creations.
The unveiling saw electrifying performances from Afrobeat sensation Kelvynboy and the Rockstar Kuami Eugene.
The nine fragrances namely the Black Excellence, the Voyager, the Empress, If Sex Was a Perfume, De Ja Vu, Tulaale, El Patron, Take Me to Paris Exclusif and Supernova reflects the brand’s unique blend of cultural richness, charismatic style and creative expression.
Each perfume gives a unique scent for easy identification and it’s crafted to evoke emotion and embody themes of confidence, lasting impression and adventure.
Launching the new fragrances in Accra on Sunday, Mr Meizongo Jnr expressed the need for Ghanaians to boost the level of their confidence by patronising from his fragrance house.
He said the nine fragrances make a statement and enhance the body’s passion while drawing attention with its mild and tender extraordinary scents.
“Each fragrance is not merely a perfume but a celebration of indigenous culture, captured in scents that transcend time and place,” Mr Meizongo Jnr added.
The occasion also drew hundreds of fragrance enthusiasts and notable personalities from Ghana and the showbiz industry.
Prominent figures like Andy Dosty, Ama Burland and Dr. Likee added to the celebratory atmosphere.