The Federal Government has launched a ₦10 billion intervention programme to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services in Bauchi State through the distribution of emergency obstetric equipment, medical supplies and delivery kits.
The initiative, unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Saturday, aims to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by providing hospitals and primary healthcare centres with essential medical equipment, ambulances, maternity kits and life-saving drugs.
Speaking at the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the programme reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to improving healthcare services across Nigeria.
Pate said the Federal Government had invested about ₦10 billion in Bauchi through the intervention, which includes upgrading health institutions, revitalising primary healthcare centres, training frontline health workers and expanding healthcare infrastructure.
He announced that 20 primary healthcare centres across 15 local government areas would receive labour and delivery equipment such as suction machines, oxygen concentrators, blood pressure monitors and newborn care devices.
The programme also includes the distribution of 17,000 free maternity kits for pregnant women, essential medicines, 15 tricycle ambulances for rural communities and six conventional ambulances to improve emergency referrals.
The minister directed healthcare workers to ensure the equipment and supplies are used only for their intended purpose and warned against diversion or charging patients for services provided free by the government. He added that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) would monitor the use of the items.
Pate also announced that the first batch of National Health Fellows from Bauchi had been absorbed into the Federal Civil Service, while a second batch had begun training to strengthen the country's healthcare workforce.
Representing Governor Bala Mohammed, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau described the intervention as a major boost to healthcare delivery, especially in rural communities. He said the state had upgraded 138 primary healthcare centres, built three general hospitals, rehabilitated the Bauchi Specialist Hospital, installed solar-powered systems in several hospitals, distributed more than 64,000 free Mama Kits and recruited thousands of healthcare workers.
The Emir of Dass and Chairman of the Bauchi State Emirate Committee on Health, Usman Bilyaminu, commended both the Federal and Bauchi State governments for prioritising maternal and child healthcare. He pledged the continued support of traditional institutions in encouraging communities to utilise maternal, newborn and child healthcare services.
The event also featured the graduation of the first cohort of National Health Fellows and the inauguration of the second cohort.
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