In furtherance of the bid to bridge critical gaps in emergency maternal and newborn care, the Kwara State Government has launched the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) program in Moro Local Government Area, Bode Saadu.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, who was represented by the Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Musilihu Odunaiya said during the official launch of the program at Bode Saadu that the government remains committed to universal health coverage.
She described RESMAT program as a bold step to ensure 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.” She also described the initiative as a promise of timely, dignified, and lifesaving emergency response for residents of rural communities.
Dr. El-Imam commiserated with the leadership of Moro LGA over a recent mishap involving its staff, praying for the speedy recovery of those affected. She further appreciated the Executive Chairman of Moro LG, Council members, health workers, the NURTW leadership, and community members for their support toward the success of the program.
The State Coordinator of RESMAT, Dr. Arigidi Stephen explained that the program is designed to eliminate the “three delays” that hinder timely care for pregnant women — delays at home, on the road, and at health facilities, he listed health centers equipped with Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) services to include: 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.
Dr. Arigidi noted that the RESMAT initiative is supported by the federal government and urged pregnant women to always attend antenatal care at government facilities, stressing that maternal and newborn care under the program is free, He further disclosed that after delivery, mothers will be enrolled in the National Health Insurance authority no cost.
In her goodwill message, the Supervisory Councillor of Moro LGA, Hajia Hamdalat Lawal, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for introducing what she described as “a first-of-its-kind program in Kwara State.” She urged pregnant women to avoid traditional birth attendants and instead take advantage of free antenatal care in government hospitals, where they will also receive mama kits at delivery.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Moro LG Chairperson, Hajia Maryam Abdulwasiu, the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Muhammed Nurudeen, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Ministry of Health for their tireless efforts in making the program a reality. He also appreciated the patience and cooperation of mothers and pregnant women present at the event.
The RESMAT program is expected to strengthen maternal and newborn health services in rural areas, ensuring that distance is no longer a barrier to accessing healthcare in Kwara State.
