Employ more midwives, implement Drug Revolving Fund — Health group urges Bauchi govt

By RUTH YARNAP, Bauchi

Bauchi State Accountability Mechanism (BASAM) for Maternal New Born Care Health (MNCH) has appealed to the state Governor, Mohammed A. Abubakar, to employ more midwives in every maternity ward in all the secondary health facilities to ensure skilled delivery at birth in the state.

The group made the call during BASAM meeting and award presentation to youth activists on Tuesday October 6,2015 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Conference Hall in Bauchi.
They also commended the government for making chlorhexidine available in some health facilities in the state.

BASAM also called on the State Government to expand and implement the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) System in the 25 general hospitals and at least 25 per cent of Primary Health Care as contained in the health sector biennial plan 2015 to 2016.

According to the BASAM, “the State Government should also train the State Health Management Information System (HMIS) team at facility level on data analysis and use of electronic devices to improve on recording and data storage.”

The State Secretary, Knowledge Management Committee (KMC) of the organization, Bulak Afsa , in her address told the gathering that the competition became necessary due to the involvement of youth in the campaign for maternal and newborn health in the state which became necessary on making maternal and newborn health a political priority in Bauchi state during the 2015 electioneering campaigns.

According to her, the participants were drawn from five different tertiary institutions in the state, who were oriented on how to advocate for maternal, newborn health to political leaders

She said that the criteria used in the selection was the best write up on the topic: “Getting a particular political aspirant in your area to prioritize improving maternal and newborn health.”

The winners are: Bakura Nazeef, Hadiza Ibrahim, Faith Leka, Umar Abdulrazaq, while Abdallah Dankyarana emerged in first position.

Dr. Ashiru Adamu Abubakar, Clinton Health Access Iniatiative (CHAI) encouraged the winners not to relent but put in more effort as this is another avenue for them to contribute their own quota to saving lives within and outside their community.

Dr. Abubakar, who is also the First Mamaye Champion in Nigeria urged the recipients to remain committed not minding or waiting for prize or encouragement.

Responding on behalf of the recipients Abdallah Dankyarana thanked the organizers and Mamaye organization, assuring that they will not rest in their advocacy effort, adding that the gifts will encourage them to do more.