The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of maternal mortality in Nigeria, calling it a national health crisis that requires urgent action. Lawmakers say thousands of women are still dying during childbirth due to poor access to quality healthcare services.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the House has now begun oversight on the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), which was created to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the country. The lawmakers insist that proper management of the fund is key to reducing maternal and child deaths.
Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that about 82,000 women die annually due to pregnancy-related complications. Experts believe most of these deaths are preventable with timely medical care, skilled health workers, and functional healthcare facilities.
In a report by Mediaplusng.com, members of the House stressed that accountability and transparency in the use of the BHCPF must be prioritized. They warned that failure to implement the fund effectively could further endanger women and children in rural communities where access to healthcare remains limited.
The lawmakers pledged to work with the Federal Ministry of Health, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund achieves its intended goal of improving maternal and child health in Nigeria.
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