The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, DSCHC, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has said that the Delta State Government’s Free Maternal Healthcare and Under-Five Programme has contributed significantly to reducing maternal mortality in the state.
Dr. Akpoveta disclosed this yesterday during an assessment visit to Government Hospital, Agbarho, where he evaluated service delivery and the impact of the state’s free maternal healthcare initiative on women and children.
He noted that the programme has improved access to maternal healthcare by removing financial barriers that often prevent pregnant women, especially those from vulnerable households, from seeking timely medical attention.
According to him, the intervention was designed to ensure women access quality healthcare services during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period without the burden of out-of-pocket payment.
“The Commission will continue to collaborate with healthcare facilities across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state to ensure beneficiaries receive quality and timely services under the programme,” Dr. Akpoveta stated.
Also speaking, the Medical Director and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of Agbarho General Hospital, Dr. Lucky Oyeye, said the initiative has enabled more women to access essential maternal healthcare services without financial hardship.
He added that the programme has benefited thousands of women and has led to a drastic reduction in maternal mortality in the state, describing it as a critical step towards protecting the lives of mothers and newborns.
Dr. Oyeye commended the Delta State Government and DSCHC for making maternal healthcare accessible, particularly to women who would otherwise find it difficult to afford care. He stressed that sustained investment, increased awareness, and adequate facilities will further improve maternal health outcomes.
In her remarks, the Nurse In-Charge of the Antenatal Ward, Mrs. Etanoma Jubilee, said the removal of financial barriers has encouraged more women to seek care early.
Patients are not paying for these services. Everything is free. This has contributed to increased patronage of the facility, she said.
Some beneficiaries also expressed gratitude and commended the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for sustaining the free healthcare programme.
The Free Maternal Healthcare and Under-Five Programme is implemented under the Equity Health Plan of the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, DSCHS.
Officials inspecting facilities at Government Hospital, Agbarho, during an assessment of maternal healthcare services provided to women and children.
Healthcare workers at Government Hospital, Agbarho, attending to beneficiaries under the Free Maternal Healthcare and Under-Five Programme.
