AIYEDATIWA LAUNCHES SAFE-DELIVERY SCHEME, GIVES 1,000 PREGNANT WOMEN FREE BIRTH KITS

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has launched the Ibi Irorun Safe Delivery Initiative, a programme designed to reduce the financial burden of childbirth and promote safer deliveries for pregnant women across the state. The first phase of the initiative will provide 1,000 expectant mothers with free pregnancy kits containing essential items needed during delivery.

The initiative was launched at the Basic Healthcare Centre in Akure as part of the state government's efforts to improve maternal healthcare and make essential medical services more accessible. Aiyedatiwa, represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, said the programme would complement existing free healthcare services available to pregnant women in the state.

According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Bosede Osamaye, each of the 1,000 kits contains 13 hospital delivery items approved by the governor. The items are intended to ensure that expectant mothers have basic materials available when they arrive at healthcare facilities for childbirth, thereby reducing some of the expenses families typically face before delivery.

The governor also highlighted other investments in the state's healthcare system. He disclosed that more than 300,000 residents have been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, while over 102 primary healthcare centres have been completed and equipped. Another 60 centres are reportedly undergoing revitalisation to improve access to healthcare at the grassroots.

Aiyedatiwa further disclosed that the state was expanding specialised medical services, with arrangements completed for the provision of an MRI machine, alongside CT scan equipment, theatre suites and ophthalmic equipment at the teaching hospital level. The administration said the investments are aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and reducing the need for residents to seek specialised treatment outside Ondo State.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, said beneficiaries would simply take the kits to their nearest health centre when they are due for delivery. He expressed optimism that combining the free delivery services with the provision of essential delivery items would contribute to safer childbirth and better maternal health outcomes in the state.