By Paul Joseph
The Federal Government has launched a N10 billion maternal and newborn healthcare intervention in Bauchi State, introducing new medical equipment, ambulances, maternity kits and essential medicines aimed at improving healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns.
The intervention, unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Saturday, is designed to strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care across primary healthcare centres in the state.
Speaking during the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the programme demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He explained that 20 primary healthcare centres across 15 local government areas will receive labour and delivery equipment, including oxygen concentrators, suction machines, blood pressure monitors and devices for newborn care.
The package also includes the distribution of 17,000 maternity kits, essential medicines and medical supplies, 15 tricycle ambulances for hard-to-reach communities and six conventional ambulances to strengthen emergency response and patient referrals.
Pate stressed that all items and services under the programme would be provided free to beneficiaries, warning health workers against diverting the supplies or demanding unofficial payments.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the minister disclosed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been tasked with monitoring the utilisation of the intervention across the state.
He also announced that the first batch of National Health Fellows from Bauchi has been absorbed into the Federal Civil Service, while another group has begun training to boost the country’s healthcare workforce.
Representing Governor Bala Mohammed, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau described the intervention as a significant boost to healthcare delivery, especially in rural communities.
He noted that the Bauchi State Government has continued investing in the sector through the upgrade of 138 primary healthcare centres, construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, installation of solar power systems and recruitment of health personnel.
Also speaking, the Emir of Dass, Usman Bilyaminu, commended the Federal Government for prioritising maternal and child healthcare, pledging the support of traditional institutions in encouraging residents to make greater use of healthcare services.
The event also featured the graduation of the first cohort of National Health Fellows and the inauguration of a new batch under the programme.
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