GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S FREE MATERNAL HEALTHCARE, DELIVERY: KEY TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY
By Ginika Oguji :
The Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC) Akwuzu has recorded a zero maternal mortality since the introduction of the Anambra free antenatal care and delivery for expectant mothers in the hospital.
Speaking during the weekly antenatal work out and care at the hospital, Mrs Josephine Ajaegbo, Matron of CMC Akwuzu, said that the hospital for the past one year has recorded a significant increase in antenatal cases, with over 30 new cases being treated monthly and a zero maternal mortality.
She noted that the free antenatal care is a pointer to the decline in maternal mortality as expectant mothers not just register for antenatal care but register on time now, so care and monitoring starts at the early stage of pregnancy.
Speaking , Mrs Ajaegbo also highlighted that the free maternal healthcare initiative, launched by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, which included free registration, antenatal care, laboratory examinations, drugs and delivery in all government hospitals have encouraged most expectant mothers to register for antenatal care on time since it is free care for all pregnant mothers residing in Anambra, irrespective of the state of origin.
The significant effect of this timely registration according to her is a decline in maternal and infant mortality rates in the hospital and state.
“Before now, we have been experiencing cases of pregnant women visiting us almost at the point of delivery or a month to delivery in most cases having developed complications from a quake or traditional health attendant,” she noted.
Expressing their joy and chanting praises to Gov. Soludo, the mothers prayed God to bless and uphold the governor, recounting the benefits they are enjoying from the free antenatal care.
One of the expectant mothers, Mrs. Goodness Asazu from Edo State, residing in Akwuzu said that she has been receiving care and drugs for four months now and no bill has been given to her.
Mrs. Asazu thanking Gov. Soludo for the free antenatal care for pregnant mothers, said that ordinarily, she would not have been able to register in a hospital for care or delivery because of the economic condition of her family.
*Ginika is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State