The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to improving maternal and newborn healthcare services across Nigeria following the successful delivery of quadruplets at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The development was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare after medical personnel at the tertiary facility managed the complex delivery involving Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, who was referred to the hospital while already in labour.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director of Press at the ministry, Ado Bako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, directed the hospital management to ensure comprehensive care for the mother and her babies.
Salako said the directive was aimed at guaranteeing the wellbeing of both the mother and the newborns.
“The management of FMC Abeokuta has been directed to ensure the mother and the babies receive adequate medical attention, close monitoring and the necessary support required for their full recovery and wellbeing,” he said.
According to the ministry, the hospital has commenced specialised care for the premature babies and is also providing counselling and psychosocial support to the family.
The ministry commended the medical team at the facility for their swift and coordinated response, noting that deliveries involving multiple births often require specialised expertise and careful monitoring.
“Cases involving multiple births such as quadruplets are medically demanding and require a high level of expertise and coordination among healthcare professionals,” the statement added.
The government also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of early and regular antenatal care for pregnant women.
“Regular antenatal visits allow healthcare professionals to identify possible complications early, manage them effectively and improve the chances of safe delivery for both mother and child,” Salako stated.
Health experts also noted that early antenatal registration helps medical professionals detect multiple pregnancies on time and prepare adequately for safe delivery.
The minister further highlighted the importance of postnatal counselling, including access to voluntary family planning services, to help families make informed decisions on birth spacing and overall wellbeing.
“Postpartum counselling and family planning services remain vital components of maternal healthcare, enabling families to plan responsibly and maintain healthy households,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen maternal, newborn and child health services through improved healthcare systems, skilled personnel and expanded access to quality medical care nationwide.
Mrs. Olateju, 40, delivered the quadruplets through a caesarean section at 32 weeks on Wednesday at FMC Abeokuta.
The babies, who were born prematurely, are currently receiving specialised care in the hospital’s neonatal unit.
Hospital sources disclosed that the mother, who already has five children, had not registered for antenatal care at the facility and was only referred to the hospital when labour began.
