Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Unveils Free C-Sections, Kits to Combat Maternal Deaths

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has pledged to eradicate maternal mortality, rolling out a series of robust interventions designed to ensure safer childbirth for women across the state and reduce infant deaths. These measures, disclosed by the governor, include offering complimentary Caesarean sections at all government-run health facilities for women who need them, promoting consistent antenatal care attendance, and distributing free delivery kits, especially to expectant mothers from less privileged backgrounds.

This significant announcement was conveyed by Professor Michael Gbala, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, who represented Governor Aiyedatiwa. He spoke at the ‘Ibi-Irorun’ Safe Delivery Sensitisation Initiative, where free pregnancy kits were also distributed to beneficiaries at the hospital. Professor Gbala underscored that this initiative forms a crucial part of the administration's wider commitment to enhancing maternal healthcare. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to guarantee the well-being and survival of both mothers and their newborns throughout pregnancy and delivery. "Pregnancy should never be a death sentence," Gbala affirmed. "Our aspiration is to have healthy mothers and healthy babies. At the conclusion of pregnancy, we desire every pregnant woman to experience the joy of holding her safe baby in her arms." He further elaborated, "That is why the government is bringing this initiative to support maternal care and facilitate safe delivery." He urged pregnant women to fully utilize public healthcare services and adhere to regular antenatal clinic visits.

In a related development, Gbala highlighted the government's substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, improvements in the welfare of healthcare professionals, and the strengthening of medical service delivery. He noted that these advancements have successfully curbed the exodus of medical personnel from Ondo State. The enhanced working conditions, he added, have even begun to attract doctors and nurses from neighbouring states such as Osun, Ekiti, and Ogun, underscoring the administration's dedication to reinforcing the state's health system.

He reiterated that pregnant women requiring Caesarean sections at state-owned facilities would receive the procedure without charge under this government scheme. Expectant mothers were strongly advised to avoid unqualified birth attendants and instead seek care at primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities. Professor Gbala also raised serious concerns regarding complications arising from hypertension during pregnancy, cautioning women against overlooking symptoms indicative of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. He specifically recommended immediate medical consultation for those experiencing severe headaches, blurred or double vision, breathing difficulties, or upper-abdominal pain, and warned against self-medication, emphasizing that “early detection and proper treatment” are vital for preventing complications and saving lives.

Earlier in the event, Dr. Seun Osamaye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, explained that the ‘Ibi-Irorun’ programme aims not only to educate pregnant women on safe motherhood practices but also to provide essential hospital delivery materials free of charge. "Our Governor, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has made provisions for these items to be given to our pregnant women free of charge. They must not be sold," Dr. Osamaye stated, clarifying that the kits are designed to equip expectant mothers with necessary resources for a safe delivery.

Mr. Kayode Kolawole, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, added that this intervention would significantly alleviate the financial strain associated with childbirth, especially for vulnerable families. He encouraged beneficiaries to bring the kits with them to the hospital when labour commences, assuring them, “Everything that you need for your delivery is inside it.”

Representing the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ogundayomi Ayomiposi conveyed profound appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for their invaluable support to pregnant women through this initiative. This sensitisation outreach had previously been conducted at the Primary Comprehensive Health Centre, Arakale, Akure, where more than 500 pregnant women had already received free pregnancy kits and participated in the awareness activities.