FG partners Kwara govt to provide free transportation for pregnant women in labour
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government, has engaged the services of the National Union of Road Transport Workers to assist in transporting pregnant women in labor to healthcare facilities. This initiative is part of the government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII), aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates in the country.
Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, the National Coordinator of MAMII, spoke at a program on Friday, emphasizing the significant role that transportation delays play in contributing to maternal mortality. He stated, “The government employed a sector-wide approach to overcome such challenges,” highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.
Maternal deaths are particularly high in two local government areas in Kwara, making the implementation of such initiatives crucial. “There will be five NURTW vehicles per ward to cater for the transportation of pregnant mothers in labor or distress,” explained Adeyanju. Pregnant women will receive transportation vouchers to help them access services. Once women in distress call the designated vehicle number, help will be dispatched promptly and at no cost.
The government has also designated specific healthcare facilities where women can undergo Cesarean sections for free. “For every woman who delivers, there is a mama-kit for them,” Adeyanju noted.
The initiative is complemented by the revamping of approximately 2,000 primary healthcare facilities nationwide, with 45 of these located in Kwara state.
Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, commended both the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for their dedication to saving mothers and infants’ lives, as well as the state government’s commitment to healthcare. She reiterated, “CS was free in designated health facilities,” which include several hospitals across the state.
El-Imam advised women against home births, asserting that healthcare facilities provide the safest option for delivery.
The program also marked the inauguration of the MAMII task force, chaired by Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara Ministry of Health, with Dr. Ola Ahmed serving as the Secretary.
NAN
