By Kemi Akintokun
Lagos State Health District One (LSHD1) on Monday launched an intensive clinical immersion programme to fix weak referral links blamed for preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
Dr Sola Pitan, Permanent Secretary, LSDH1, said the initiative focused on timely referrals and better care coordination between Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and secondary hospitals.
“Prompt referrals for pregnant women with complications will significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths when the need arises,” Pitan said during training at Orile Agege General Hospital.
He said the programme would equip PHC workers to identify danger signs early, understand their limits, and refer patients promptly for specialised care.
According to a report by World Health Organisation (WHO), 700 women died daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes in 2023, with deaths occurring almost every two minutes.
“This training equips PHC workers with practical skills and updated knowledge to handle emergencies and strengthen two-way referrals to improve care,” he said.
He added that workers would communicate directly with secondary facilities before referrals, ensuring preparedness and faster emergency response.
“Our target is zero maternal and infant deaths through improved communication, better patient management, and timely response,” Pitan said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme runs across three tracks, including safe childbirth, child health, and integrated maternal and child health immersion training.
It is organised in three hubs—Orile Agege, Alimosho, and Ifako Ijaiye general hospitals—covering 64 PHCs across 10 local government areas.
Dr Taiwo Oluyemi, Medical Director, Orile Agege Hospital, said no woman should die while giving life, underscoring the need to strengthen frontline workers and referral systems.
“It is a tragedy when a woman dies in childbirth. This training addresses challenges and will save lives during emergencies,” Oluyemi said.
She urged participants to sharpen their skills, recognise limits, and make timely referrals to improve patient outcomes.
Dr Adeyanju Oyetoyan, Director, Medical Services and Disease Control, LSDH1, stressed the importance of clinical vigilance, especially in managing labour and preventing postpartum haemorrhage.
“Watch for vaginal bleeding, sudden blood pressure drops, dizziness, or weakness, and act promptly or refer when necessary,” he advised.
He also encouraged pregnant women to use PHCs for antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services to ensure early detection of complications.
Dr Justine Adeyemi, a participant from Akonwonjo PHCs, described the training as enlightening, saying it will synchronise PHCs and secondary facilities for seamless referrals.
“It has reawakened the need for prompt action during emergencies to reduce maternal mortality,” Adeyemi said.
Ms Titilayo Folarin, a Nurse from Meiran PHC, said the programme was timely, adding that it provided new skills and guidance for handling emergencies effectively. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kamal Tayo Oromo
