Over one million women of child bearing age and children are being targeted to benefit from the newly completed 110-bed Maternal and Childcare Centre (MCC) in Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos State.
The four-floor health facility built by the Lagos State government to provide specialised services to mothers and children, commenced operations on Saturday, August 24.
The state commissioner for health, Akin Abayomi, who undertook a tour of the centre, believed that the facility would positively impact maternal and child health indices and bridge the gaps in childcare services in Eti-Osa, as there a number of similar facilities already existing other parts of the state.
“The establishment of maternal and childcare centres in strategic locations across the state underscores not only government’s capacity to reduce infant and maternal mortality but it also brings to the fore government’s determination to deliver strong healthcare for children and mothers,” said Abayomi.
While noting that medical services have since commenced at the centre, Abayomi explained the installation of equipment have been completed while logistics for sustained quality health service delivery is being perfected.
The permanent secretary, ministry of health, Titilayo Goncalves who also spoke during the inspection of the facility stated that the establishment of the facility in the community was a dream come true for residents of the community.
“I strongly believe that commencement of operation at this centre will help address the issue of maternal and child deaths in Eti-Osa local government area and its environs,” said Goncalves.
She urged parents to support the state government’s drive to reduce maternal and child deaths by patronising accredited health facilities and participating in all child-survival interventions and programmes being carried out by government.
JOSHUA BASSEY
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