Marking a pivotal advancement in the fight against maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, the Seyi Tinubu Drug Bank Initiative has been officially introduced at the National Hospital in Abuja.
Backed by the generosity of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, this program is designed to supply critical pharmaceutical resources to the hospital’s Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology departments. Its primary mission is to offer free essential medications to underprivileged pregnant women and children.
At the unveiling ceremony, represented by Pharm. Ojeje Amin Onimisi, Mr. Tinubu highlighted that his motivation stems from a deep concern for vulnerable groups, especially women and children, coupled with a strong commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s maternal and child health outcomes on a global scale.
“Our initiative seeks to bolster governmental efforts aimed at drastically reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria,” Mr. Tinubu remarked. “We are determined to ensure that no mother or child loses their life due to the unavailability of fundamental medicines.”
Since its launch in August 2024, the Seyi Tinubu Drug Bank Initiative has been implemented in six tertiary hospitals nationwide, with ambitious plans to extend its reach to additional healthcare facilities, including secondary and primary centers, in the near future.
Dr. Ayodele Cole Benson, the National Coordinator for the Seyi Tinubu Maternal & Child Healthcare Intervention Projects, provided further details, revealing that 60 tertiary hospitals have been earmarked for inclusion in the program.
“Our objective is to establish drug banks within critical hospital units, ensuring free access to medicines and delivery supplies for economically disadvantaged patients,” Dr. Benson explained. “Additionally, we are introducing Point-of-Care Ultrasound devices to labor wards and antenatal clinics, accompanied by comprehensive training to maximize their effectiveness.”
Dr. Benson also noted that the National Hospital Abuja was selected as an initial beneficiary due to its exemplary service delivery and dedication to high-quality care, aligning perfectly with the initiative’s overarching goal to meet and potentially exceed Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) targets on maternal and child health by 2030.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Isiaka Olayinka Lawal, standing in for the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, expressed sincere gratitude and committed to ensuring the program’s successful execution to realize its intended benefits.
“We deeply appreciate this timely support and vow to guarantee that the drug bank effectively serves our mothers and children who are most in need,” Dr. Lawal affirmed.
In a highlight of the event, Dr. Ibrahim Fatima, a distinguished senior registrar at the hospital, was honored with the Mr. Seyi Tinubu Residency Training Scholarship worth ₦1 million. This award will assist her in registering for her final residency examinations, recognizing her exceptional dedication and hard work.
