By Chidimma Oparaochaekwe
The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, LSPHCB, has received a strategic proposal from the Lagos Chapter of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, SOGON, to introduce a clinical support system aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality across the state.
The initiative, known as the Voluntary Obstetricians Scheme, was presented during an advocacy visit by a delegation of SOGON Lagos Chapter, led by its Chairman, Professor Abidoye Gbadegesin.
Under the proposed scheme, experienced obstetricians and gynaecologists would provide voluntary specialist support to primary healthcare facilities across the state through clinical mentorship, support for clinical audits, improved emergency response and assistance in the management of obstetric and newborn complications.
Responding to the proposal, the Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, commended SOGON for what he described as a civic-minded initiative and expressed the board’s readiness to establish an immediate collaborative framework for its implementation.
“Maternal mortality is a critical challenge that no single entity can solve alone. We highly commend SOGON for stepping forward with a structured, community-oriented initiative that leverages the incredible talent pool of our local specialists,” Dr Mustafa stated.
He said the proposal was in line with the Lagos State Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots, adding that the board was prepared to provide the institutional support required to translate the proposal into a functional programme.
“The proposal perfectly aligns with the Lagos State Government’s ongoing mission to bolster grassroots healthcare. We are fully prepared to provide the institutional framework required to turn this vision into a functioning reality,” he added.
Emphasising the importance of having specialist support available at primary healthcare facilities, the Permanent Secretary noted that the presence of obstetricians and gynaecologists at the first point of care could improve the management of emergencies and reduce delays in accessing appropriate care.
“Bringing specialist knowledge straight to our primary health centres will save invaluable time during obstetric emergencies when every second counts. By building a technical working group immediately, we can map out a definitive pilot programme that safeguards both our vulnerable families and the dedicated professionals volunteering their service,” he said.
Mustafa disclosed that the LSPHCB and SOGON would constitute a joint technical committee to develop operational guidelines for the scheme, identify initial pilot primary healthcare facilities across the various IBILE divisions and establish effective referral pathways.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board to strategic partnerships that would strengthen primary healthcare services and advance the health and wellbeing of mothers, newborns and communities across Lagos State.
