Seven hospitals across Kogi State have been selected to provide free maternal healthcare under a new initiative by the Federal Government through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in collaboration with the Kogi State Government.
The intervention, funded through the Vulnerable Group Fund as captured in the NHIA Act, aims to reduce the maternal mortality rate by offering emergency obstetric care and family planning services at no cost to beneficiaries.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NHIA, the third-party administrator, and medical directors of the selected hospitals, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, emphasized the significance of the program in tackling maternal health challenges in the state.
He stated that the partnership with the Federal Government would ensure that pregnant women in emergency situations receive timely and quality medical care.
The designated hospitals include Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba; Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Okene; Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja; General Hospital, Ankpa; General Hospital, Okengwe; General Hospital, Kabba; and General Hospital, Koton-Karfe.
The Commissioner informed that further onboarding processes will be carried out by the NHIA to facilitate the smooth implementation of the initiative in the state.
The programme, according to him is expected to strengthen maternal healthcare services in Kogi State and contribute significantly to reducing preventable maternal deaths.
