The Federal Government has launched a N10bn maternal and newborn healthcare intervention in Bauchi State, delivering medical equipment, ambulances, maternity kits and essential medicines to improve access to quality healthcare for pregnant women and newborns.
The initiative, unveiled on Saturday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is expected to strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care services across primary healthcare facilities in the state.
Speaking at the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant deaths under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Pate, 20 primary healthcare centres in 15 local government areas will receive labour and delivery equipment, including oxygen concentrators, suction machines, blood pressure monitors and newborn care devices.
The programme also includes the distribution of 17,000 maternity kits, essential medicines and medical supplies, 15 tricycle ambulances for rural communities and six conventional ambulances to improve emergency response and patient referrals.
He stressed that the intervention would be provided free of charge and warned healthcare workers against diverting the equipment or demanding unofficial payments from beneficiaries.
Pate disclosed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had been mandated to monitor the use of the equipment and commodities to ensure accountability.
The minister also announced that the first batch of National Health Fellows from Bauchi had been absorbed into the Federal Civil Service, while a second cohort had commenced training as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
Representing Governor Bala Mohammed, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau described the intervention as a major boost to healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
He said the state government had continued to invest heavily in the health sector through the upgrade of 138 primary healthcare centres, construction of new general hospitals, rehabilitation of specialist facilities, installation of solar power systems and recruitment of healthcare workers.
Also speaking, the Emir of Dass, Usman Bilyaminu, commended the Federal Government for prioritising maternal and child healthcare and pledged the support of traditional institutions in promoting the use of healthcare services across the state.
The event also featured the graduation of the first cohort of National Health Fellows and the inauguration of a new batch of participants under the programme.
(The Whistler)
