Over 500 pregnant women across Oyo State on Monday benefited from the bi-annual Ibadan Central Hospital health initiative tagged: “Health Gathering”.
The event, according to the Medical Director of the hospital, Muyiwa Bewaji, was part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the hospital.
Bewaji said the event was to appreciate and sensitise pregnant women on importance of anti-natal and what to expect during pregnancy.
According to him, pregnant women were basically chosen for the program having realised role of mothers in the society and importance of maternal healthcare.
He maintained that maternal mortality rate in Southwest is at lower rate compared to what it used to be decades ago courtesy of sensitisation of pregnant women and focus anti-natal healthcare.
He said, “We sensistise them on importance of anti-natal care, what to expect during pregnancy and for them to know how to take care of their child after delivery.
“We also give them gift inform of raffle draw, this year’s event is special because it coincides with our 25th anniversary, we are having another section for children that were born in this hospital over a decade ago by next week, we are taking care of mothers this week.”
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The General Manager of the hospital, Olajumoke Caxton-Martins, described the event as way of giving back to the society, adding that maternal mortality is still high in Nigeria, which necessitates education of expectant mothers.
She lamented that some women still prefer to give birth at home or in Mission Homes, adding that it become imperative to educate them on what to know whenever their health is been threatened.
“They need to know what is normal and abnormal, this our own way of giving back to the society, educating them on what they need to pay attention to, we bring together pregnant women twice every year, we feed them, entertain and sensitise them.”
“Women are important to homes because they take care of the children and family, which is the bedrock to any society, we teach them how to have these children and how to take care of them after delivery.”
She said brain drain is also affecting private hospitals because doctors are in high demand everywhere in Nigeria and this is affecting the society but her hospital still manage to handle the situation.
One of the expectant mothers, Agboade Dorothy, thanked organiser of the program for the initiative, saying the program will go along way towards addressing healthcare of pregnant women in the state.