Kwara State Distributes Free Delivery Kits To 193 PHCs

No fewer than 193 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have benefitted from free delivery kits distributed by the Kwara State Government for pregnant women in the state.

Speaking during the distribution in Ilorin, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Professor Nusirat Elelu, explained that the aim was to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

Elelu said the state is committed to the provision of quality and affordable health care service delivery, irrespective of geographical location. She added that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration prioritises the health of women to ensure that pregnancy and childbirth remain safe for women and children.

According to her, the provision of hygienic and clean delivery kits is an essential initiative that addresses a critical need within the communities. Nothing – that access to clean and hygienic delivery materials is not only a matter of healthcare but also a fundamental right that every expectant mother deserves.

She also added that the availability of these kits to pregnant women is a crucial step towards improving maternal and infant health outcomes in our state.

Elelu further acknowledged that there were challenges faced by expectant mothers, particularly those in remote communities, such as a lack of access to basic healthcare supplies, which she said contributed to preventable complications during childbirth.

“The initiative is a collaboration between Kwara and the World Bank, Immunisation Plus and the Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming (IMPACT) project.

“This prioritises the provision of essential resources in order to bridge the gaps and promote positive health outcomes in Kwara,” she said.

The secretary further explained that the benefitting PHCs are only allowed to charge a maximum of N2,000 for other expenses, while patients covered under Kwara Health Insurance are exempted from paying the sum.

According to her, a toll-free line has also been provided and would be made widely available in all PHCs to report sharp practices and for a grievance redress mechanism.

In his remarks, the programme manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr Michael Oguntoye, asserted that investing in maternal and child healthcare could lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the need for costly interventions and treatments for preventable conditions.

Quoting Ogutay, “By ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children, Nigeria can improve productivity and contribute to economic growth.”