The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara has inaugurated the Delta State Maternal Death Review Steering Committee (MDR), with Dr. Tosan Popo as chairman while Dr. Patrick Okonta will serve as secretary.
Inaugurating the committee at a two-day Training on maternal death review in Asaba organized by the Delta State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), the Commissioner said that the need was borne out the State Government’s determination to properly investigate every pregnancy-related death with a view to further reduce maternal mortality in the State.
He revealed that in 2013, a total of 114 maternal-related deaths were recorded in the State, with 57 occurring in government hospitals across the State.
He said that the cause of these deaths were majorly instrumental to the below-standard activities carried out by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) in the State, as well as late presentation of serious maternal complication cases, warning that his ministry would not hesitate to severely sanction defaulters.
Dr. Otumara called on the chairman and members of the committee to be proactive as the tasks ahead of them was of great importance, and expressed delight that the auspicious occasion has finally come to fruition after a long wait, adding that he was confident the efforts being put in place by the State Government would materialize into a two-digit figure for maternal mortality by 2015.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman, Dr. Tosan Popo thanked the health Commissioner for the honour to serve, assuring of his committee’s commitment to achieve improved maternal healthcare service delivery in the State.
Delta State Government Press Release
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate