Saleha Ahmed Labor Suite begins services at Labaid Hospital

The Saleha Ahmed Labor Suite has begun operations at Labaid Hospital, offering specialised facilities to support natural childbirth.

The new centre has six dedicated beds and is part of a state-of-the-art initiative by the Gynaecology Department of Labaid Hospital. It has been named in honour of Saleha Ahmed, Chairperson of Labaid Group.

The centre has been developed under the supervision of Major Professor Dr Laila Arjumand Banu (Rtd), alongside a team of specialist physicians. It will provide comprehensive healthcare services from early pregnancy through the antenatal period and childbirth, with a focus on supporting natural delivery.

The Saleha Ahmed Labor Suite was formally inaugurated by Dr A M Shamim, Managing Director of Labaid Group, in the presence of Saleha Ahmed. The ceremony included the cutting of a ribbon and cake. Also present were Dr Sucharita Ahmed, Labaid Hospital Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Dawood, Head of Operations Iftekhar Ahmed, medical directors, physicians, nurses and hospital staff.

Professor Dr Laila Arjumand Banu highlighted the objectives and planned activities of the centre. She said many women in the country fear natural childbirth and therefore prefer caesarean delivery. She noted that unnecessary caesarean sections, when not medically required, increase health risks for both mothers and newborns.

She said the centre will prepare expectant mothers in advance to reduce fear of labour pain during natural childbirth. Training facilities will be provided from early pregnancy through delivery to improve both physical and mental well-being. She added that responsibilities in healthcare lie not only with physicians but also with service recipients, and that the centre will play a role in educating pregnant women, improving mental health and strengthening confidence during labour.