The Federal Government has distributed emergency obstetric equipment to 251 health facilities across the country, targeting critical gaps in maternal care at secondary health centres.
According to Mr Pate, the distribution addresses service delivery shortfalls that have long hampered obstetric services in these facilities. The move aims to reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes for women during childbirth in underserved areas.
Secondary health facilities, which form the backbone of Nigeria's healthcare system outside teaching hospitals, have struggled with inadequate equipment for emergency obstetric care. Women presenting with complications during labour often lack access to basic life-saving interventions at these centres, forcing delayed referrals to tertiary hospitals.
The distributed equipment includes items essential for managing obstetric emergencies. By placing these tools in secondary facilities, the government hopes to enable faster intervention and reduce preventable deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.
Maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. Better-equipped secondary facilities could ease the burden on tertiary hospitals and bring critical care closer to women in rural and remote communities.
The distribution covers health facilities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, signalling a nationwide commitment to improving maternal health infrastructure. Implementation teams will monitor equipment utilisation and staff training to ensure the facilities use the resources effectively.
