LASG pushes for safer motherhood with free healthcare supplies

… As Health District III Distributes Life Saving Commodities To PHCs

The Lagos State Government, in a bid to reduce maternal and infant mortality to the barest minimum in the state, distributed life-saving commodities to all Primary Healthcare Centres in Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe over the weekend.

The Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, while distributing the commodities at the District III Office in Ikoyi, said the government took another decisive step towards achieving Universal Healthcare Coverage for all in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the present administration.

“Today’s distribution of life-saving commodities is a strategic intervention. We are equipping our Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) – the bedrock of our health system – with the essential tools required to save lives at the most critical moments: during childbirth and throughout the fragile years of early childhood”, she said.

Dr. Adeleke further explained that the curated suite of commodities distributed was specifically chosen to tackle the causes of preventable deaths of mothers and children during childbirth, and the commodities include Oxytocin and Misoprostol, which prevent Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth.

She added that other commodities are Misoprostol, a vital heat-stable alternative that ensures no woman bleeds to death, even in areas where refrigeration is a challenge.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted other commodities to include Chlorhexidine, Zinc and ORS as well as Medical Consumables, which include gloves, syringes and delivery kits, saying these consumables help Midwives / Nurses perform their duties in a sterile, safe and dignified environment.

She charged the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) and Midwives / Nurses to always make the commodities available free of charge to patients without delay and avoid locking them up in cupboards while mothers and children need them.

Dr. Adeleke emphasised that PHCs across the metropolis are well-stocked and called on residents to always seek professional care rather than stay at home when the need arises.

In response, the Head of Pharmaceutical Unit, Epe PHC, Pharm. Temitope Adeyemi, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, promising that the life-saving commodities distributed to all PHCs in District III would be properly managed and utilised to improve healthcare service delivery.