ANAMBRA RECORDS OVER 100,000 DELIVERIES IN 18 MONTHS UNDER FREE MATERNAL HEALTHCARE POLICY

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The Anambra State Government has announced a major milestone in its healthcare initiative, recording 102,643 childbirths and 343 cesarean sections within an 18-month period, following the introduction of its free antenatal care and delivery policy.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, revealed the figures during a press briefing in Awka on Friday, highlighting the success of the initiative launched by Governor Chukwuma Soludo on September 5, 2023.

The policy, which guarantees free antenatal and delivery services for expectant mothers across the state, was introduced as part of the governor’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality and ease the financial burden on families.

“Anambra is now one of the states with the lowest maternal mortality rates. In fact, pregnant women from neighboring states are coming to register and deliver here,” Dr. Obidike stated.

He attributed the success of the program to the state’s massive investment in healthcare infrastructure and personnel, noting that more than 1,000 health workers had been recruited since the program’s launch. Additionally, new hospitals were built, while existing facilities were upgraded and equipped to enhance service delivery.

According to Obidike, the state is also offering competitive remuneration to healthcare professionals to boost morale and retain talent:

Consultants receive ₦500,000 monthly, Doctors earn nearly ₦250,000, Nurses take home over ₦100,000

Beyond healthcare, the commissioner noted that the Soludo administration has also prioritized education and youth empowerment. He disclosed that 8,115 teachers were recently employed to strengthen the public education system, while the government’s flagship empowerment scheme, “One Youth, Two Skills”, continues to support thousands of young people with vocational training and entrepreneurship tools.

Obidike said the government has now employed over 9,000 workers across key sectors since taking office, emphasizing that this reflects a historic investment in human capital development for the state.

Governor Soludo had earlier described the maternal health initiative as a palliative measure to cushion the effects of economic hardship, particularly for rural communities. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all residents, especially those at the grassroots level.

The program is expected to continue throughout the remainder of Governor Soludo’s tenure.