LUCY SAMUEL
Over one million
women of child bearing age and children will benefit from various maternal and
childcare services to be provided through the newly opened four-floor 110-bed
Maternal and Childcare Centre (MCC).
The specialised health
facility built by the Lagos State government for women and children in Eti-Osa
Local Government area of the State, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin
Abayomi disclosed.
Abayomi who stated this
recently after an inspection tour of the facility noted that the maternal and
childcare centre which commenced operation on Saturday August 24, 2019 will
impact positively on maternal and child health indices and help address the
issue of access to maternal and childcare services in Eti-Osa local government
area and environs.
While noting that maternal and child care services
contribute significantly to clients’ attendance at public health facilities in
the State, the Commissioner stated that the maternal and childcare centre is strategically located at Eti-Osa to
provide succour for residents of the area who travel far to other parts of the
State to access qualitative maternal and childcare services.
“The establishment of
maternal and childcare centres in strategic locations across the state
underscores not only government’s capacity to reduce infant and maternal
mortality but it also brings to the fore government’s determination to deliver
strong healthcare for children and mothers”, Abayomi said.
He explained that the MCC
located in the Eti-Osa area of the state is a specialised facility designed
solely to provide for the health needs of women of child bearing-age as well
children stressing that various health services which includes, delivery,
gynaecology, pediatrics services, immunisation amongst others is available at
the facility.
While noting that medical
services has since commenced at the centre, Professor Abayomi explained the
installation of equipment have been completed while logistics for sustained
quality health service delivery is being perfected.
The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Heath, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves who also spoke during the inspection
of the facility stated that the establishment of the facility in the community
is a dream come true for residents of the community.
"I strongly believe
that commencement of operation at this centre will help address the issue of
maternal and child deaths in Eti-Osa local government area and its environs”,
the Permanent Secretary said.
She noted that the birth
of the facility has brought sustainable maternal and childcare care services to
the door step of the community in fulfilment of promises of Governor Babajide
Sanwo-Olu’s led administration.
Goncalves urged parents to
continue to support the State government's drive to reduce maternal and child
deaths by patronising only accredited health facilities and participating in
all child-survival interventions and programmess being carried out by
government.
