By Ginika Oguji
The Chief Medical Director(CMD) of Comprehensive Medical Centre, Awkuzu, Dr. Adaobi Odina, has said the Anambra State Government’s free antenatal and delivery programme demonstrates Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to protecting the lives of mothers and children.
Dr. Odina made this known on Aug. 6, while speaking with Information Officers during a visit to the health facility, noting that the initiative was designed to remove financial barriers that often prevent pregnant women from accessing timely and quality healthcare.
According to her, the programme provides pregnant women with free antenatal registration and care, delivery services, postnatal care, essential drugs and consumables, newborn immunisation and health education.
She said the initiative covers both normal and assisted deliveries in government owned health facilities across the state, with the broader objective of reducing maternal and infant deaths, ensuring that women receive professional care throughout pregnancy and after childbirth.
“Governor Soludo is mindful of every child born in Anambra. That is why from the moment a woman registers for antenatal care to delivery and aftercare, she pays nothing in our public hospitals,” Dr. Odina said.
She explained that expectant mothers receive health education on important issues including nutrition, breastfeeding and family planning, adding that newborns are linked to essential immunisation services.
The CMD encouraged pregnant women to take advantage of the programme by registering early at the nearest government hospital or primary healthcare centre, stressing that early antenatal care allows health workers to identify and manage potential complications promptly.
She appealed to husbands and other family members to support pregnant women in accessing skilled maternal healthcare and discourage the use of unskilled birth attendants.
Dr. Odina said the free maternal healthcare initiative forms part of the broader Solution Agenda of the Soludo administration, aimed at making healthcare more accessible and affordable to residents.
She urged pregnant women across the state to register early and make regular use of available government health facilities, stressing that seeking skilled care can make a significant difference to the safety of both mother and child.
For some beneficiaries, the programme has brought considerable relief at a time when the cost of healthcare can place significant pressure on families.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Chioma Obia, a newly delivered mother from Akwukwu-Igbo in Delta State, who accessed care at the facility, expressed appreciation for the support.
“Before, I would borrow money for delivery. Now I came for all my antenatal care and also delivered here free. Governor Soludo has remembered poor people,” she said.
Another expectant mother, Mrs. Gloria Odinkemelu from Umuobi, Awkuzu, said she was particularly encouraged by the combination of medical care and practical guidance provided at the facility.
“They even gave us drugs and taught us how to breastfeed. This government is really mindful of mothers and children,” she said.
Ginika Oguji is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
