Bauchi Gets N10bn Boost For Maternal And Newborn Care

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has commenced the distribution of emergency obstetric and newborn healthcare equipment, commodities, and delivery kits valued at N10bn in Bauchi State as part of efforts to strengthen maternal and child health services across the country.

The intervention, launched on Saturday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality through the provision of medical equipment, ambulances, maternity kits, essential drugs, and other critical supplies to healthcare facilities in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery nationwide. He disclosed that about N10bn had been invested in Bauchi under the programme, noting that the state continues to benefit from multiple federal health sector interventions.

Pate outlined key components of the intervention, including the upgrade and support of primary healthcare centres, training of frontline health workers, and provision of essential infrastructure. He said 20 primary healthcare centres across 15 local government areas would receive labour and delivery equipment such as suction machines, oxygen concentrators, blood pressure monitors, and newborn care tools.

He further stated that the programme includes the distribution of 17,000 maternity kits for pregnant women, essential medicines and medical commodities, 15 tricycle ambulances for rural communities, and six conventional ambulances to strengthen emergency referral systems. According to him, the maternity kits are intended to ease the financial burden on expectant mothers, while all supplies would be provided free of charge.

The minister warned healthcare workers and facility managers against diversion or exploitation of the items, stressing that they must be used strictly for their intended purpose. He added that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had been tasked with monitoring the distribution and utilisation of the equipment to ensure accountability.

Pate also announced that the first batch of National Health Fellows from Bauchi had been absorbed into the Federal Civil Service, while a new cohort has begun training as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.

In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as a significant boost to healthcare delivery in the state. He noted that the initiative would help reduce maternal and infant mortality, especially in rural communities.

The governor highlighted ongoing health sector reforms in the state, including the upgrade of 138 primary healthcare centres to Level II status, construction of three general hospitals, and rehabilitation of the Bauchi Specialist Hospital. He also disclosed the installation of solar power systems in health facilities, distribution of over 64,000 Mama Kits, and recruitment of thousands of healthcare workers.

Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to healthcare financing, stating that Bauchi consistently allocates at least 15 per cent of its annual budget to the health sector in line with global recommendations.

Also speaking, the Emir of Dass and Chairman of the Bauchi State Emirate Committee on Health, Usman Bilyaminu, praised the Federal Government’s focus on maternal and child healthcare. He commended both federal and state authorities for ongoing health reforms and pledged continued support from traditional institutions in mobilising communities to access healthcare services.

The event also featured the graduation of National Health Fellows Cohort I and the inauguration of Cohort II.