Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kazeem Biriowo
Published on 2024-03-01 12:20:56
The Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) has taken a significant step in improving maternal healthcare by enrolling pregnant women in a health insurance scheme aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates in Abuja. The initiative, led by the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) in partnership with the USAID Integrated Health Programme (IHP), aims to educate pregnant women on the importance of preventing maternal deaths during childbirth and postpartum.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HES), highlighted the distribution of 500 free delivery kits to pregnant women who registered for the health insurance scheme. She emphasized that no woman should die due to childbirth complications, stressing that the health insurance covers antenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. The provision of safe delivery kits aims to promote the use of sterile instruments during childbirth, protecting both the mother and the child.
The distribution of these kits serves as an incentive for pregnant women to enroll in the health insurance scheme. Dr. Fasawe mentioned that the kits, valued at approximately N50,000, were previously items that women had to purchase before delivery. However, they are now provided for free once a woman registers for health insurance. Pregnant women in Abuja who cannot afford health insurance are also eligible for registration under the vulnerable group, at no cost. This initiative aims to ensure that all mothers and their babies receive the necessary care without financial barriers.
Dr. Fasawe encouraged all residents to enroll in the FHIS, as it offers quality healthcare services at minimal costs. The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, stressed the importance of enhancing health insurance coverage, especially for those in the non-formal sector. She emphasized that health insurance plays a crucial role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and urged the FHIS to monitor Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to ensure efficient service delivery.
The FCT State Director of USAID-IHP, Dr. Frances-Lois Adewumi, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting the FHIS in building capacity, training staff, and providing subsidized healthcare services to reach vulnerable populations and all residents of the FCT in the long run. Recipients of the kits expressed gratitude to the FCTA for the initiative, noting that it would alleviate the challenges associated with childbirth. They acknowledged that registering for the scheme would guarantee access to essential medical care.
In conclusion, the efforts of the FCTA, FHIS, and USAID-IHP in promoting maternal health through the health insurance scheme are commendable. By providing free delivery kits and encouraging pregnant women to enroll in the scheme, they are taking concrete steps towards reducing maternal mortality and ensuring all residents have access to quality healthcare services. It is crucial for all residents to take advantage of this initiative to safeguard the health and well-being of mothers and their newborns in Abuja.
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