Bauchi gets N10bn maternal, newborn healthcare intervention

The Federal Government has initiated a significant N10 billion healthcare intervention in Bauchi State, focusing on enhancing maternal and newborn care. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, officially launched the distribution of emergency obstetric and newborn healthcare equipment, commodities, and delivery kits on Saturday.

This initiative is designed to directly combat maternal and neonatal mortality by equipping healthcare facilities across the state. Prof. Pate highlighted that the N10 billion investment underscores President Bola Tinubu's commitment to nationwide healthcare improvement. Bauchi State has already benefited from several health sector upgrades under the current administration, including facility enhancements and staff training.

The intervention will see 20 primary healthcare centers in 15 local government areas receive essential labor and delivery equipment. Additionally, 17,000 maternity kits will be distributed to expectant mothers, alongside vital drugs and medical supplies. To bolster emergency response, 15 tricycle ambulances and six conventional ambulances will be deployed to improve referral services, particularly in rural areas.

Minister Pate urged healthcare workers and facility managers to ensure the proper and intended use of the provided resources, warning against diversion and unauthorized charges. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has been tasked with monitoring the distribution to prevent corruption. The program also includes efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce, with some National Health Fellows from Bauchi being absorbed into the Federal Civil Service.

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Do not divert these items or charge patients for services that have been provided free by the government. There should be no under-the-table payments.