RSG Assures On Reduction Of Maternity, Mortality Rate

The Rivers State government has said that it will ensure that high maternal and mortality rate prevalence among women in the state are reduced.

The Director of Medical and Dental Services in Rivers State Health Management Board, Dr Okere N. Iragunima stated this during a one day policy discussion on reproductive health services law of Rivers State organised by the Network of the Bar, Bench and Police(NBB&P),  Rivers State chapter with support from IPAS Nigeria held at the NBA law center, High Court complex, Port Harcourt last Friday.

Dr Iragumia disclosed that the state government has put in place measures aimed at addressing the challenges of the high maternal mortality rate, adding that government had employed 200 doctors, while plans are underway to engage more 200 doctors to boost  its manpower in the health sector.

According to him, in an ideal society proper records are kept very well and every doctor is assigned to specific number of patients to take care noting that such is not the practice in developing societies.

He urged everybody to join hands with the state government to ensure that its desire on the reproductive health services is achieved.

In his presentation, a consultant with Braith Waite Memorial Hospital, (BMH) Port Harcourt, Dr Douglas Pepple attributed some of deaths recorded in expectant pregnant mothers as a result of poor supervision during their process of pregnancy by professional health personnel as well as poor state of infrastructures in many hospitals across the country.

Dr Pepple stated that about 5,000 women die annually from pregnancy related sickness in developing countries adding that Nigeria records the highest maternal and mortality death cases.

The medical specialist described ignorance as the root causes of lack of communication,  transport and logistics shortages been witnessed in health institutions in the country and called on the governments at all levels to live up to their responsibilities.

In her addressing, state coordinator of NBB&P Mrs Florence Fiberesima said the law that provides for reproductive health services in the state was signed into law by the former governor of the state Dr Peter Odili in 2003.

She disclosed that the vision of the group is to have a society where the reproductive health and rights of women are not only provided for but are fully protected and enforced, and to sensitise members of the legal profession and the police on sexual and reproductive health and rights of women.

Nlerum Bob Friday