The Seyi Tinubu Drug Bank Initiative has been inaugurated at the National Hospital, Abuja, aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality by providing free essential medicines to vulnerable women and children.
Mr Seyi Tinubu, during the inauguration on Monday, said the initiative reflected his commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved populations and supporting government efforts in addressing maternal and child health challenges.
He was represented by Mr Ojeje Onimisi.
“Our goal is to ensure no woman or child dies due to lack of access to basic medicines,” Tinubu said, emphasising the importance of equitable healthcare and sustainable interventions across Nigeria.
Dr Ayodele Benson, National Coordinator of the Seyi Tinubu Maternal and Child Healthcare Intervention Projects, said 60 tertiary hospitals across Nigeria had been selected to benefit from the donation programme.
He stated the initiative would establish drug banks in key hospital units and provide free medicines and delivery supplies to indigent patients in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Paediatrics departments nationwide.
Benson also revealed plans to deploy Point-of-Care Ultrasound equipment in labour wards and antenatal clinics, alongside training healthcare workers for optimal use and improved diagnostic support during pregnancy and childbirth.
He said National Hospital, Abuja, was chosen as one of the early beneficiaries due to its strong performance, commitment to quality care, and alignment with the programme’s goals under Sustainable Development Goal Three.
Receiving the donation, Chief Medical Director Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, represented by Dr Isiaka Lawal, expressed gratitude and pledged the hospital’s full commitment to achieving the programme’s health targets.
He assured stakeholders that the donated drugs and materials would directly benefit the intended groups, mothers and children in need, through a transparent and effective distribution system within the hospital.
During the inauguration, Dr Ibrahim Fatima, a senior registrar at the hospital, was awarded the N1 million Seyi Tinubu Residency Training Scholarship for her dedication and upcoming final residency examination.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the initiative supports the Federal Government’s maternal and child health agenda by targeting underserved populations in tertiary, secondary, and primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
Since its inauguration in August 2024, the initiative has reached six tertiary hospitals and is being expanded to cover more institutions across Nigeria as part of a broader national health intervention.. (NAN)
