By our Reporter
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services following the successful management of a complex quadruplets delivery at the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta.
The delivery involved Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, who was referred to the tertiary hospital while already in labour. Medical personnel at the facility quickly responded to the high-risk situation and successfully delivered four babies while stabilising both the mother and the newborns.
Following a briefing on the case, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, directed the hospital management to ensure comprehensive medical care, close monitoring and adequate support for the mother and the infants to safeguard their wellbeing.
The hospital has since commenced the necessary medical care for the family, including counselling and psychosocial support.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare commended the professionalism of the medical team at the Abeokuta facility, noting that multiple births such as quadruplets are medically demanding and require specialised care, close monitoring and coordinated medical response.
The ministry also emphasised the importance of early and consistent antenatal care for pregnant women. According to Dr. Salako, regular antenatal visits enable health professionals to detect and manage potential complications early, improve pregnancy outcomes and ensure safer deliveries for both mothers and babies.
Health experts say early antenatal registration and routine pregnancy monitoring are crucial in identifying multiple pregnancies early and planning safer delivery options.
Pregnant women were therefore encouraged to register early for antenatal care at recognised health facilities and maintain regular contact with qualified health professionals throughout pregnancy.
The ministry further highlighted the role of postpartum counselling, including voluntary family planning services, in helping families make informed decisions on birth spacing and overall family wellbeing.
It reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal, newborn and child healthcare nationwide through stronger health systems, skilled healthcare personnel and expanded access to quality services as part of efforts to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.
