The Government of Anambra State has doled out 120 anti-shock garments to Mission hospitals and General hospitals in Anambra State. In his opening remarks during the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr.Afam Obidike disclosed that the anti-shock garments will prevent cases of postpartum bleeding, noting that 11% of mortality cases occur because of lack of anti-shock garments in health facilities.
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“It helps to prevent a woman bleeding from dying in the next 48hours.The woman wearing the anti-shock garment has the chances of surviving within at least 48 hours based on when you transfer for intervention to occur because it is going to compress the uterus and also distribute blood to where it is necessary. One important thing about this anti-shock garment is that you can use it more than 250 times or even 500 times.”
According to the commissioner, plans are already in progress to procure the device for all the primary health care facilities in Anambra State.
Dr.Obidike while thanking the Governor’s wife, also stated that she has approved the training on how to use the anti-shock garment so that people will be well educated on the usage. He further appreciated the Anambra State government and the health workers for tireless efforts in upgrading the health sector.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, emphasized that her husband, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is very committed to ensuring the best health outcome for Anambra people.
She said: “The health care sector in Anambra State has been undergoing a massive transformation resulting in an improved health care system at all levels. The Anambra State Government recognises the importance of access to quality service and is committed to strengthening the provision of such services at all levels. The anti-shock garment is a first aid device used to safeguard women who are suffering from postpartum bleeding and shock. It is a simple device. It helps women survive delay in getting to a hospital and getting the treatment that they need. It can make a woman with postpartum bleeding alive for up to 48hours, without it, she may bleed out to death. This binds physical time to transfer a patient to health care and provide treatment. Healthy living with Nonye Soludo is an NGO that is also committed to supporting the reproductive health of women in the state. Today, Anambra State Government is proud to provide these to all mission hospitals and general hospitals.”
Mrs Soludo further appreciated the health partners working in the state especially UNICEF for their zeal in reducing maternal mortality, morbidity and mortality. She also thanked the health care workers in the state for tireless efforts in providing essential health care services to the people. The procurement of the anti-shock garments is part of the recommendations of Maternal Mortality Review carried our recently to seek avenues to bring down completely the current number of maternal and infant mortality cases in the state. The review board was headed by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake.
In her good will message, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, said that the gadgets would be crucial in saving the lives of women as severe maternal emergencies that require the kits can now be technically checked. She appreciated the state government for always prioritising the health needs of the citizens.
The convener of the event, Dr. Uju Okoye, while commending the Mrs Nonye Soludo for her kind gesture, recalled that the antishock garments were last distributed in the state in 2016 under Governor Willie Obiano’s administration. She urged the health workers to judiciously and efficiently use the anti-shock garments in their various health facilities. Meanwhile, the event was organised by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative.
The Governor’s wife presented the materials to representatives of the benefiting health facilities at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Awka the state capital on Tuesday.
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