EXPERTS WANT INSTITUTE FOR MATERNAL HEALTH

PIQUED by the non-existence of a specialised centre to cater for reproductive, newborn and child health issues, the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) has advocated the establishment of a maternal and child health institute.
Meanwhile, about 48 medicine shops have been sealed in Aba and Umuahia, Abia State between October 26 and December 1, 2010.
Speaking at a media forum at the weekend in Abuja on the post-SOGON 8th international conference and 44th yearly general meeting recently held in the nation’s capital, the body’s President-elect, Dr. Fred Achem, said the proposed institute would reduce maternal and newborn mortality in the country.
He added: “The issue of maternal health has become topical for a very long time. This issue that has to do with preparing for childbirth has to be treated in such a way that people have approached to it.”
Referring to the planned institute as a compendium and encyclopaedia of information to the public and researchers for analysis, comparison, development and budgeting sake, he disclosed that it would be headed by an obstetrician with both an academic and clinical background.
According to Achem, the institute would be regional and also situated at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He appealed to the National Assembly to consider benefits of such an institute and to expedite efforts on a bill to establish it.
However, the closure of the medicine shops was carried out by the Abia State branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Inspectors Committee of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.
According to the state’s PSN Chairman, Mr. Emeka Ogbonna, 26 shops were sealed at the notorious Tenant Market in Aba on October 26, 2010 while 22 were sealed in Umuahia.
He added that the culprits would be prosecuted by the relevant government agencies in the state.

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