By Habiba Wakio
Rania sat in the waiting area, staring at the picture of a mother and child on the wall, an image
of her holding a baby close to her bosom forming in her mind. Her heart squeezed at the
thought, and her hand rubbed her protruding tummy. She and her husband were excited to
become parents. He could have accompanied her if the urgent call from his work had not come
through. Her eyes darted around anxiously as she tried to read the lips and understand the
facial expressions and gestures of the women surrounding her. One had furrowed eyebrows,
while another smiled sheepishly.
Rania was at the clinic for her monthly check-up. Her specialist had referred her to the
obstetrician at that clinic two months before. Her medical condition called for extra pregnancy
care. She had undergone a haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test and followed the instructions of the
diabetic specialist. Her undying love for the little human growing inside her knew no bounds.
The specialist's words crossed her mind.
“With type 2 diabetes, your baby may be at a higher risk of having health problems shortly after
birth, such as heart and breathing problems, and needing hospital care or developing obesity or
diabetes later in life. There's also a slightly higher chance of your baby being born with defects,
particularly heart and nervous system abnormalities, or being stillborn or dying soon after
birth,” the specialist told her husband, who quickly interpreted by moving his hands in the air,
his face showing concern.
The insulin was working well, and her husband was doing a great job by taking care of her diet.
The receptionist called her name, but Rania lost in her thoughts, did not respond. The
obstetrician, Salma, walked to Rania and tapped on her shoulder. Rania looked up and smiled at
the pretty, tall, slender lady who motioned for her to follow her to the examination room. Rania
liked that hospital because of the welcoming staff.
Additionally, the institution had ramps, washrooms for people with physical disabilities, modern
medical equipment, and adjustable examination tables awaiting patients of all abilities. She was
glad because this place had proved to be different from the previous clinics, where she had
encountered barriers to accessing healthcare and information due to her hearing impairment.
After the test, the doctor assured her that all was well through gestures in a fluid motion that
was easy for her to follow.
“There's nothing to worry about," Dr. Salma smiled reassuringly.
Here, Rania felt visible and well taken care of. If only all hospitals enabled easy access to better
and more inclusive healthcare.
