The Niger state government says it is using telemedicine to bridge the gap in healthcare access and provide timely and quality care for pregnant women, thereby reducing maternal mortality rates in the state.
The Officer in Chief of the Primary Health Care (PHC) at Kpokungu in Niger state, Mrs. Hadiza Gawu said this in an interview on Wednesday in Suleja, Niger.
She spoke on the sidelines of the Primary Healthcare Nutrition Policy Dialogue organised by Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) with the theme, “Strengthening Primary Healthcare Demand in Nigeria to Improve Community Access to Quality Healthcare.”
Gawu said telemedicine would allow pregnant women in remote areas of the state to access healthcare services without the need to travel long distances.
“This ensures that they have timely access to prenatal care, which is essential for monitoring the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.
“Telemedicine enables remote monitoring of vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels.
“This can help healthcare providers detect any complications or warning signs early on, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of maternal deaths,” she said.
She explained that in areas with a shortage of obstetricians or maternal care specialists, telemedicine could provide virtual consultations with experts.
“This allows for timely advice and guidance on complicated cases, reducing the risk of complications and improving maternal outcomes,” she said.
According to her, telemedicine platforms will be used to educate pregnant women and their families about proper nutrition, antenatal care, warning signs, and birth preparedness.
“This will help us empower women to make informed decisions and seek appropriate care when needed, reducing the likelihood of complications and maternal mortality,” said the expert.
She added that telemedicine would also support postpartum care by providing follow-up consultations, monitoring for postpartum complications, and addressing any concerns or questions the new mother may have in the state.
“It will ensure that women receive ongoing support and care even after childbirth, reducing the risk of postpartum complications and maternal deaths,” she said.
She added that the state included community engagement in the planning, designing, and delivery of primary healthcare services that would improve access to health.
Gawu said the state’s health institutions were also collaborating with traditional healers to improve access to healthcare.
“The state is providing outreach and mobile clinic services to disadvantaged communities to improve access to healthcare.
“The use of medical and health science students as healthcare service providers in communities has also improved access to healthcare in the state.
“The provision of comprehensive health services to children and youths in schools has improved access to health care too,” she said.
According to her, the availability of health posts in major communities has improved access to healthcare in the state.
“Community-based health insurance scheme where community members raise funds to offset the cost of health care of a deserving member has also improved access to health care in the state,” she said.
In Niger state, it is estimated that one in every 95 women dies during pregnancy and childbirth.
High attrition rates of skilled midwives, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas, have led to a shortage of midwives, compromising the quality of care provided for pregnant women and newborns.
Based on insights from the “Why Are Women Dying While Giving Birth In Nigeria” report, one of the reasons for maternal deaths is the poor distribution of healthcare workers in the state.
It has been observed that health workers prefer to work within the state capital rather than in rural communities where there is a significant shortage of midwives.
However, Gawu said Niger was committed to ensuring the recruitment of over 500 nurses and midwives through the state government, BHCPF, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Expanded Midwives Service Scheme (eMSS).
