Public Health reports 177 maternal deaths in its latest weekly epidemiological report, a figure that once again places the quality of and access to obstetric care in the Dominican Republic at the center of the debate.
According to the report for Epidemiological Week number 52, the Ministry of Public Health reported 177 cumulative maternal deaths for the year, of which 42.94% correspond to women of Haitian nationality, that is, 76 deaths. These maternal deaths include cases occurring in both public hospitals and private centers.
Health authorities explain that maternal mortality is measured by the number of deaths of women during pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium, and is one of the main indicators for evaluating the performance of a health system.
Context of maternal deaths in the Dominican Republic
For years, the Dominican Republic has maintained a maternal death ratio higher than the Latin American average, despite certain advances in health service coverage. Reports from international organizations have pointed to pregnancy-induced hypertension, hemorrhages, infections, and disorders associated with emergency cesarean sections as recurring factors.
Consulted public health experts highlight that a significant portion of these maternal deaths is linked to late or insufficient prenatal care, transportation difficulties to hospitals, and lack of resources in maternity wards, especially in provinces with a high presence of a migrant population.
High percentage of Haitian women among maternal deaths
That nearly 43% of maternal deaths correspond to Haitian women reflects the weight of this population in Dominican maternity services. Specialists point out that many of these pregnant women arrive at the healthcare system with zero or minimal check-ups, language barriers, and incomplete documentation, which complicates timely care.
- Difficulty in accessing early prenatal care.
- Precarious socioeconomic conditions and malnutrition.
- Late transfers from border areas and bateyes.
International organizations have recommended strengthening care for migrant women without discrimination, with a focus on rights and the reduction of obstetric risks.
Official actions and calls from specialists
Public Health has announced maternal death surveillance programs, clinical audit committees, and protocols to improve referrals between primary care centers and high-complexity hospitals. However, medical societies and civil society organizations insist that it is still necessary to strengthen gynecology and obstetrics personnel, guarantee critical supplies, and expand education for women of reproductive age.
Medical associations suggest that the reduction of these smaternal deaths will depend on a combination of increased investment, continuous supervision of the quality of care, and strict follow-up on each case to prevent the same system failures from repeating.
Pending challenge: sustained reduction of maternal deaths
Data from the Week 52 report confirm that decreasing maternal deaths remains a priority task for Public Health and the entire Dominican healthcare system. As long as the figure of 177 cases, with 42.94% being Haitian women, remains at these levels, the discussion on universal access, dignified care, and rapid response to obstetric emergencies will continue on the national agenda.
