A surge in birth rates at the Northern Provincial Hospital (NPH) has led to a critical shortage of maternity beds, forcing mothers to sleep on the floor after childbirth.

VBTC News visited the hospital and confirmed the situation, witnessing women resting on mattresses placed directly on the floor due to the lack of beds.

One mother, Simion William, expressed her concern:

“I came out of the labour room and saw my bed on the floor. It’s not safe for me and my baby—we’re breathing dust, and in the morning, cleaners came while we’re still on the floor.”

Another mother, Rosina Boe, shared her frustration:

“I paid the fee not to sleep on the floor. My child’s health is very important.”

According to Anna Maria Salmamkan, nurse midwife in charge at NPH, this is the sixth consecutive year the hospital has seen a high number of teenage pregnancies.

In 2024, 1,604 babies were delivered. But from January to March this year, ther are already 556 births.

Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. Mark Kalpukai, acknowledged the issue and revealed that while there is a project plan to rebuild the maternity ward, it has yet to materialize. He confirmed discussions with the Australian Government on plans to construct a new maternity complex with 70 beds.

“There is a plan to build a proper maternity complex to serve as a referral center for Sanma Province, but until then, we must continue to manage and ensure the best service we can,” Dr. Kalpukai said.

Currently, VBTC News has confirmed that at least 10 mattresses are being used on the floor to accommodate the overflow of maternity patients.