Yobe
State Government has distributed 28 customized tricycle ambulances and laid the
foundation for the building of the maternal, newborn and child healthcare complex
at the Yobe State University Hospital.
The complex which is expected to be built at an estimated cost N1.6 billion,
according to Yobe State Governor, Mai-Mala Buni will tackle cases of maternal
mortality.
Speaking at the Foundation Laying Ceremony,
Buni said: “As a government of Continuity, Consolidation and Innovation, we are
determined to maintain and build on our progress in healthcare. It is a
progress that is recognised and celebrated both here in the state and across
the country.
“It was why the Federal Government and the World Bank recently approved a grant
of $29 million (N10.5 billion) to our state for emerging as the overall best
among the 36 States of the federation in the implementation of the “Saving One
Million Lives Programme”.
“To make more progress in maternal and childcare and to improve the capacity of
the State University Teaching Hospital to more effectively serve as a referral
centre of excellence, we approved some funds for the construction of the
Maternal, New-born and Child Health Complex for which we are gathered here at
the cost of one billion, five hundred and eighty eight million, two hundred and
fourty one thousand, five hundred and eighty three naira and thirty four kobo
(N1,588,241,583.34).
“The objective is to strengthen maternal and childcare, thereby reducing the
rates of maternal and child morbidity and mortality in the state.”
Buni, speaking on why 28 units of tricycle ambulances, which were procured for
N84.5 million, said they would be used to ease transportation for expectant
mothers in labour or in emergency situations as a means of reducing maternal,
pre-natal and child morbidity and mortality that may follow the complications
of pregnancy, labour and delivery.
He said: “In keeping with our commitment to revitalize the healthcare sector
and make our citizens healthier and capable of contributing to the
socio-economic development of the state, we will continue to ensure the
provision of free maternal and child healthcare services, regular supply of
drugs and consumables to our hospitals, and we will also ensure adequate human
resource for health in the State.”
The governor said: “We also plan to
incentivise continuous professional development and provide other
opportunities, such as staff housing, in order to continue to track and retain
competent personnel working in the Teaching Hospital and the General Hospitals
in the State.”
