Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has unveiled an ambitious healthcare initiative to support 600,000 vulnerable Nigerians monthly. The program, named Drug Banks for Indigent Patients in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Pharmacy Intervention, was launched at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Shika-Zaria. This initiative seeks to tackle Nigeria’s high infant and maternal mortality rates by offering free medical supplies and services.
The project will collaborate with 60 tertiary health institutions across the country, assisting 10,000 patients every month and expanding to include medical equipment and research in infant and maternal health. Seyi Tinubu emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing Nigeria’s alarming maternal and infant mortality rates, which stand at 1,047 per 100,000 live births for maternal mortality and 54.74 deaths per 1,000 live births for infant mortality.
The initiative extends beyond healthcare by providing clean water solutions to areas suffering from water scarcity, such as Zaria City, where solar-powered boreholes are being installed to combat waterborne diseases like cholera. Additionally, a scholarship scheme for final-year pediatric residents offers N1 million grants to support their fellowship exams, further strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Dr. Benson Cole, the initiative’s National Coordinator, reinforced the program’s mission to deliver lifesaving assistance to underserved communities, particularly mothers and children who often lack access to essential healthcare. As the program unfolds, it holds the promise of transforming healthcare for millions of Nigerians, addressing root causes of disparities, and fostering a more equitable healthcare system.
