The Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health Service Board (LHSB), Dr. Jemilade Longe has said that public hospitals in the state have recorded a significant rise in ante-natal care attendance.
Longe attributed the increase to the maternal and child mortality reduction programme in the state.
He said “Since the commencement of the maternal and child mortality reduction strategies which were fashioned towards addressing the major causes of maternal and child mortality in the state.
“The key performance indicators have been pointing upwards evidencing that the strategies adopted are yielding positive results as shown in the increase in ante-natal attendance, increase in deliveries, increase in patronage of child survival interventions like immunisation against childhood killer diseases, and increase in women accessing family planning services.”
He explained that at the Ikorodu General Hospital, the statistics showed an increase from 681 in January and 1,021 in July while at Somolu General Hospital, there was an increase from 491 in January to 635 in July.
On the quality of ante natal care provided in public institutions, Longe said “Specifically concerning charges in our health facilities for antenatal booking, it is an average of about N12,000; though with minor variations depending on the category and location of health facility whether they are urban, sub-urban or rural.”
He reiterated Govenor Akinwunmi Ambode’s pledge to the people. He said “The governor has pledged total commitment to run a government that will leave no one behind; a government that will implement programmes that make life simpler, easier and happier for the people; pregnant women and children inclusive. This is in consonance with this administration’s mantra of running a government of “continuity with improvement.”