By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has unveiled the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme in Bode-Saadu, Moro Local Government Area, as part of a sweeping initiative to close critical gaps in maternal and newborn emergency care across the state.
Speaking at the launch, which took place at the Primary Health Care Centre in Bode-Saadu, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr Musilihu Odunaiya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.
She described RESMAT as a decisive intervention, stressing that “no mother should lose her life seeking care and no family should watch a loved one suffer for lack of transport to a hospital.” El-Imam hailed the scheme as a timely, dignified, and lifesaving response designed for the needs of rural communities.
The Commissioner extended her condolences to the leadership of Moro Local Government over a recent mishap involving council staff and commended the Chairman, councillors, health workers, leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and community members for their collaboration in making the programme a reality.
The State Coordinator of RESMAT, Mr Stephen Arigidi, explained that the initiative is built to address the “three delays” that obstruct timely medical care for expectant mothers: delays at home, delays in transportation, and delays at health facilities. He underscored that Kwara’s healthcare strategy is comprehensive, covering every stage of maternal and newborn care.
Arigidi listed the health facilities equipped with Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) services under the scheme, including Primary Healthcare Centre Arobadi, Model Primary Healthcare Centre Jebba, Primary Healthcare Centre Megida, Comprehensive Healthcare Centre Ejidongari, Basic Healthcare Centre Bode-Saadu, and Comprehensive Health Centre Malete.
He noted that the RESMAT programme is supported by the Federal Government, appealing to pregnant women to prioritise antenatal visits to government hospitals. He stressed that maternal and newborn services under the scheme are free, and added that mothers will be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) at no cost after delivery.
The Supervisory Councillor of Moro LGA, Hajia Hamdalat Lawal, applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for introducing what she called “a pioneering programme in the state.”
She encouraged pregnant women to shun traditional birth attendants and take advantage of free antenatal services in public facilities, where they will also be provided with mama kits during childbirth.
The Chairperson of Moro Local Government Council, Hajia Maryam Abdulwasiu, expressed appreciation to the Governor and the Ministry of Health for their dedication to maternal welfare. She also commended the patience and cooperation of mothers and pregnant women who attended the event.