The Anambra State Government, announced that it has recorded 102,643 deliveries, including 343 Cesarean Sections, within the 18 months following the introduction of its free antenatal care and delivery policy.
Dr. Afam Obidike, the State Commissioner for Health, shared the achievement in Awka on Friday, highlighting the significant strides made since the policy’s implementation.
On September 5, 2023, Governor Chukwuma Soludo launched the free antenatal care and delivery initiative for expectant mothers, a policy that will remain in effect for the remainder of his administration.
According to Dr. Obidike, the state government is making substantial investments in the healthcare sector to enhance access to quality services for residents.
“Anambra is now one of the states with the lowest maternal mortality rates.
Pregnant women from neighboring states are even coming here to register,” he stated.
“We’ve recruited over 1,000 health workers, constructed new hospitals, and upgraded existing ones to ensure seamless access to affordable and quality healthcare,” he continued.
The commissioner further noted that health officials, including consultants, doctors, and nurses, receive competitive salaries, with monthly wages of half a million naira for consultants, nearly a quarter of a million for doctors, and over N100,000 for nurses.
In addition to the healthcare improvements, the government has made strides in the education sector, Dr. Obidike pointed out that 8,115 teachers have been recruited, public schools have been upgraded, and the youth have been empowered through the “One Youth, Two Skills” acquisition program.
“Governor Soludo’s administration has hired more than 9,000 workers who will remain part of the state’s budget until they retire and begin receiving pensions,” Obidike emphasized.
“No government in Anambra’s history has invested in human capital development as sustainably as this administration,” he continued.
Governor Soludo described the free maternity initiative as part of his government’s palliative measures to alleviate hardship and ensure accessible healthcare, especially at the grassroots level.
“Our commitment is to provide unhindered access to healthcare for all, particularly for those in rural areas,” he said.
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