Husband, immediate family member can accompany expecting mums from Oct 4

 

The husband or an immediate family member of an expecting woman will be allowed to accompany them while in labour beginning Oct 4, according to Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Noor Hisham in a statement said all Health Ministry hospitals are classified as baby-friendly hospitals but the permission to accompany a woman in labour was revoked as part of efforts to reduce Covid-19 transmissions.

“Following positive signs shown in the country’s pandemic situation and the increase in vaccination rates, we are pleased to announce that effective Oct 4, the Health Ministry has granted permission to a husband or close family member to accompany a woman in labour, subject to strict criteria,” he said.

Noor Hisham said the ministry is aware of the physical and emotional support needed by a woman in labour and so the presence of a husband or immediate family are encouraged.

With the permission granted, conditions include for the accompanying individual to be fully vaccinated, which is 14 days after their second dose or 28 days for single-dose vaccines.

The individual must also perform an RTK-PCR or RTK-Ag test 72 hours prior to the expected delivery or they can purchase an approved self-test kit to be taken to the hospital.

The Covid-19 self-test will be performed at a set place in the hospital under supervision by a healthcare worker on duty.

“Aside from that, husbands and immediate family members accompanying expecting mothers are also reminded to observe standard operating procedures at all times, as the group is considered among those in high-risk.” - Mkini