Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has revealed reasons he launched free provision of antenatal and delivery services in all government-owned hospitals and health centers.
Governor Soludo who launched the initiative at General Hospital, Nnobi said it was part of efforts to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal on the people of the state.
He also said it was in line with the priority his administration placed on the health of pregnant mothers in the state.
According to the Governor, the provision is in line with the APGA mantra of “Be Your Brother’s Keeper.”
He said the programme would run for as long as he was the Governor and urged mothers utilise the opportunity fully and not abuse it.
Gov. Soludo said that his administration was committed to ensuring unhindered access to health care, especially at the grassroots level.
“We have been renovating and equipping our hospitals.
“Over 300 health workers have been recruited and I recently approved the recruitment of additional 500 to work at the primary healthcare centres.
“We want to make medical services available to everyone and we have adopted telemedicine to ensure unlimited access to healthcare in the state.
“Under my watch as the Governor, we will be implementing free antenatal care and delivery for pregnant women.
“But I employ you to give birth to the number of children you can take care of.
“Our goal is to prioritise the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies.
“I urge our health workers to give quality attention to our pregnant women at no cost,” Soludo said.
