Charles Ekanem|10 September 2016
Prof Ivara Esu on 8 September at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital launched a society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOCON) program “Volunteers Obstetricians Scheme (VOS).
VOS is a scheme of SOCON in partnership with Federal Ministry of Health and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and other state partners aimed at impacting on pregnant women in the rural areas and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Speaking, the Deputy Governor who was ably represented by the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Inyang Asibong said the program is coming in when the high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality is increasing in the state while lauding SOCON for the initiative, she hopes to partner with them to battle maternal morbidity and mortality in the state.
She went further to tasked the volunteers to go into the field, get accurate data and provide their technical assistance to health facilities across the state. Dr Asibong officially inaugurated the VOS team.
Also speaking, Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade who was represented DG Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) Dr Betta Edu in her statements noted that VOS is very vital to the reduction of maternal mortality in the state.
She went further to disclose effort of Cross River State Government on revitalizing primary healthcare in the state so as to provide basic obstetric care for women in remote areas. This according to her was made possible by the visionary Governor of the state, Sen (Prof) Ben Ayade who has just signed two vital bill into law in a space of one month, first the state primary healthcare development agency and State Health Insurance Scheme laws. She said all this laws were spearheaded by the Chairman House Committee on Health, Hon (Dr) Ekpo Ekpo Bassey. She explained that through the Ayade Care (SHIS) there will be a sustainable source of funding for health care which will cater for our women and ensure Universal Health Coverage in CRS. People in the rural areas will have access to 24 hours healthcare services at functional PHCs, general hospitals and specialist world class hospitals in the state.
According to her, part of the state effort to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality is the recent recruitment of medical doctors for PHCs across the state to support the few midwives and nurses in handling complicated cases that will lead to death of woman or baby. Finally she said the VOS program she help with community sensitization to reduce the growing rate of unskilled birth attendants.
Earlier speaking, Deputy CMAC UCTH, Dr Ogbu Ngim who was representing CMD said the program has received full back up from federal ministry of health while urging the state to consolidate on it as an alternative to tackling the growing rate of maternal morbidity and mortality in the state. She tasked the organization to monitor the process and ensure its fully implementation in the rural areas.
House Committee Chairman on Health, Hon ( Dr). Ekpo Ekpo Bassey lend his voice by assuring SOCON the initiators of VOS program of legislative back up. He said their major concern have always been the growing rate of maternal morbidity and mortality in the state. “That is why we have successfully passed two effective bills on health into law, the creation of State Primary Healthcare Agency and State Health Insurance Scheme. He lauded SOCON for the wonderful initiative while he prayed for the success of the scheme.
Presentations on birth preparedness 'a veritable tool in preventing maternal mortality and way forward were taken by Prof John Ekabua and Prof E. E. J. Asuquo. Others presenters at the event were Prof Eric Archibong Dr Ekot who is the head of VOS CRS, NMA chairman, MWAN president Dr Nchewi Ani and Dr Akpanika.
Charles Ekanem
Write from Calabar
