Zamfara State Ministry of Health has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, to provide free comprehensive emergency obstetric care for pregnant women in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued to journalists by the ministry’s spokesman, Suleiman Isah. According to the statement, the NHIA coordinator, Mr Mannir Sanusi, said during a meeting that the intervention intends to reduce maternal and child mortality in the state.
“Among the complications to be taken care of include pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, haemorrhage, prolonged labour, obstructed labour and Caesarean section,” the statement outlined.
“Other complications include premature delivery, placenta praevia, abruptio placentae, and premature rupture of membranes.
“The coordinator also informed the commissioner that, after discharge, the patient will be enrolled into another free programme of health insurance, which is the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF, programme.
“The programme is expected to run across three zones: Zamfara Central, Kaura Namoda (Zamfara North), and Talata Mafara (Zamfara West).”
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, said that the participating hospitals include Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Gusau, General Hospital, Tsafe, General Hospital, Maru, and General Hospital, Kaura Namoda. Other participating hospitals include General Hospitals Gummi, Shinkafi, and Maradun.
According to her, by expanding access to quality healthcare in the mentioned facilities, the programme aims to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates among pregnant women in the state.
The commissioner commended NHIA’s efforts in improving the state’s health sector and pledged total support and collaboration for the success of the programme in the state.