In its bid to ensure adequate healthcare and reduce mortality rate, the Kwara State Government has donated N10 million equipment to the maternity wing of the Omupo Cottage Hospital.
The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed made the disclosure on Tuesday during the official commissioning of the maternity wing of the facility.
The Governor who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon Muideen Alalade said, “Quality health care services are pivotal to this administration’s Shared Prosperity Programme which promotes the social and economic upliftment of our state and its people.”
According to him, today’s occasion represents a dream come true and mission fulfilled for the people of Omupo.
“As you are aware, this maternity wing is central to the operations of this cottage hospital as it will no doubt enhance health care delivery in this environ.
“Omupo is one of the beneficiaries of this community-driven development initiative.
“I wish to acknowledge with satisfaction that, instead of the usual 10 per cent counterpart contributions expected from recipients, Omupo community contributed 35 per cent, thus ensuring the highest standard of this facility.
“Consequently, the government also reciprocated with the supply of hospital equipment worth N10 million to this maternity, “the governor said.
Speaking further, he said health is not only central to community well-being, but also key to individual economic prosperity.
“It is for these reasons that we upgraded health facilities across the state, among other interventions designed to expand our people’s access to healthcare.
“As part of efforts to assist communities to enjoy social amenities, we encouraged the Kwara State Community and Social Development Agency (KWCSDA) to partner communities to implement project,” the Governor stressed.
He however charged the people of the community to make the best use of the facility.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Usman Kolo Rifun lamented the high maternal mortality rate in Sub-Sahara Africa as a result of non-availability of skilled birth attendants.
“This is highly unacceptable. Thus, all hands must be on deck to reduce high rate of maternal death in our environment.
“The death of a mother translates to the death of the family. Babies can hardly survive with the death of their mothers,” Kolo said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Economic Planning, Wasiu Odewale said, “I was single-handedly assisted by the Executive Governor of Kwara State to fast track developmental project to the community.
“As the first Commissioner from Omupo, I owe it to myself as a duty to ensure I leave behind legacies. I want others coming after me to equally tow this path of selfless service .That is the only way posterity will speak about us, “he submitted.
