By Joy Onu
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services following the successful management of a complex quadruplet delivery at the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta in Abeokuta.
The delivery involved Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, who was referred to the tertiary health facility after she went into labour. Medical personnel at the hospital quickly responded to the high-risk situation and successfully delivered the quadruplets while stabilising both the mother and the newborns.
Following a briefing on the development, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, directed the hospital management to ensure that the mother and the babies receive comprehensive medical care and close monitoring to safeguard their wellbeing.
In line with this directive, the hospital has commenced full medical care for the mother and the newborns while also providing counselling and psychosocial support to the family to help them cope with the demands of multiple births.
The ministry commended the professionalism and coordination of the medical team, noting that deliveries involving quadruplets are medically demanding and require specialised care and careful monitoring.
Health authorities used the occasion to emphasise the importance of early and consistent antenatal care. Regular visits enable healthcare professionals to detect potential complications early, improve pregnancy outcomes, and ensure safer deliveries for both mothers and babies.
Pregnant women were therefore encouraged to register early for antenatal care at recognised health facilities and maintain regular contact with qualified health professionals throughout their pregnancy.
The ministry further highlighted the significance of postpartum counselling, including voluntary family planning services, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maternal, newborn, and child health services nationwide through skilled personnel, improved health systems, and wider access to quality care.
