By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Gombe South Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has commenced the distribution of free maternity kits to pregnant women across healthcare facilities under the council.
The initiative, launched on Saturday at the newly constructed Bolari West Primary Healthcare Centre, is aimed at reducing the financial burden of childbirth on expectant mothers, particularly women from poor and vulnerable households.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Alhaji Auwalu Jauro Bappi, said the programme was part of the council’s commitment to improving maternal healthcare and encouraging pregnant women to access antenatal and delivery services at healthcare facilities.
Bappi said providing essential maternity materials would help remove some of the financial barriers discouraging women from seeking skilled healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth.
He commended Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu Mai Zare for donating the land for the construction of the healthcare centre and expressed appreciation to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, for his contribution to the project and support for healthcare development.
The chairman also announced the employment of Malam Haris at the Bolari New Primary Healthcare Centre, saying the appointment was in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the development of the facility.
He directed officials responsible for the distribution of the maternity kits to ensure transparency, accountability and equitable distribution of the materials to intended beneficiaries.
Healthcare officials, including Hajiya Hafsat Lamu and Ahmed Muhammad Bello, commended the initiative, describing it as a people-oriented intervention capable of easing the burden on expectant mothers and increasing patronage of primary healthcare facilities.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the council chairman, saying the free delivery kits would provide significant relief to families struggling to meet the cost of childbirth.
They also commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure across the state and ensure the availability of medicines and other essential drugs at subsidised rates.
The beneficiaries, however, appealed to the governor to consider making caesarean section (CS) procedures free for pregnant women who cannot afford the cost of the operation.
Traditional rulers, councillors, government officials, healthcare workers, community leaders and other stakeholders attended the launch.
