Lagos equips PHCs to curb maternal, infant deaths

The Lagos State Government has distributed life-saving medical commodities to primary healthcare centres across the Ibeju-Lekki, Eti-Osa, and Epe local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce maternal and infant mortality.

The Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Monsurat Adeleke, disclosed this at the distribution ceremony, according to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Sunday.

Adeleke described the initiative as a critical step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

She explained that the intervention was aimed at equipping the PHCs, which she described as the foundation of the health system, with essential tools needed to save lives during childbirth and early childhood.

She listed the commodities distributed as including oxytocin and misoprostol to address maternal health challenges, particularly postpartum haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal deaths.

“Today’s distribution of life-saving commodities is a strategic intervention. We are equipping our PHCs with the essential tools required to save lives at the most critical moments.

“Oxytocin is our primary defence; it induces uterine contractions to stop bleeding immediately after delivery, while misoprostol is a vital, heat-stable alternative that ensures no woman bleeds to death, even in areas where refrigeration is a challenge,” she added.

Adeleke also highlighted the provision of neonatal and child health commodities, including chlorhexidine gel, zinc sulphate, and oral rehydration salts.

“Chlorhexidine gel is applied to the umbilical cord stump of newborns to prevent neonatal sepsis, while zinc sulphate, especially when paired with oral rehydration salts, reduces the duration and severity of diarrhoea and boosts the immune system,” she said.

The permanent secretary noted that essential medical consumables, including gloves, syringes, and delivery kits, were also distributed to ensure safe and hygienic service delivery.

She charged the officers in charge of the pharmaceuticals and midwives to ensure the proper utilisation of the items, stressing the importance of accountability and professionalism.

She also urged healthcare workers to maintain high standards of clinical practice and build trust within their communities while reaffirming the government’s commitment to quality and affordable healthcare.

“These items are only life-saving if they reach the patients who need them, free of charge and without delay. As officers-in-charge, you must ensure strict inventory management.

“Let it be known in your communities that these supplies are available. When the public knows the PHC is well-stocked, they will seek professional care rather than stay at home.

“By putting these tools in your hands, we are not just distributing medicine; we are distributing hope and a guaranteed future for our children,” Adeleke concluded.

Reacting on behalf of the PHCs, the Head of Pharmaceutical Unit, Epe PHC, Temitope Adeyemi, expressed appreciation to the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration.

She assured that the life-saving commodities distributed to all PHCs in District III would be properly managed and utilised to improve healthcare service delivery.