The Seyi Tinubu Drug Bank Initiative has been inaugurated at the National Hospital, Abuja, as part of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality through the provision of free essential medicines to vulnerable women and children.
Speaking during the inauguration on Monday, Mr Seyi Tinubu said the initiative reflected his commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved populations and supporting government efforts in addressing maternal and child health challenges.
Tinubu, who was represented by Mr Ojeje Onimisi, noted that the goal of the initiative was to ensure that no woman or child dies due to lack of access to basic medicines. He emphasised the importance of equitable healthcare and sustainable interventions across Nigeria.
Dr Ayodele Benson, National Coordinator of the Seyi Tinubu Maternal and Child Healthcare Intervention Projects, said 60 tertiary hospitals across the country had been selected to benefit from the drug donation programme.
He explained that the initiative would establish drug banks in key hospital units and provide free medicines and delivery supplies to indigent patients in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Paediatrics departments nationwide.
According to him, the project also plans to deploy Point-of-Care Ultrasound equipment in labour wards and antenatal clinics, alongside training healthcare workers for optimal use to enhance diagnostic support during pregnancy and childbirth.
Benson noted that the National Hospital, Abuja, was chosen as one of the early beneficiaries due to its strong performance, commitment to quality care, and alignment with the programme’s goals under Sustainable Development Goal Three.
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Receiving the donation, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, represented by Dr Isiaka Lawal, expressed appreciation and pledged the hospital’s full commitment to achieving the programme’s health objectives.
He assured stakeholders that the donated drugs and materials would directly benefit mothers and children in need through a transparent and effective distribution system within the hospital.
During the inauguration, Dr Ibrahim Fatima, a senior registrar at the hospital, was presented with the N1 million Seyi Tinubu Residency Training Scholarship in recognition of her dedication and in support of her upcoming final residency examination.
The initiative supports the Federal Government’s maternal and child health agenda by targeting underserved populations in tertiary, secondary, and primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
Since its launch in August 2024, the Seyi Tinubu Drug Bank Initiative has reached six tertiary hospitals and is set to expand to more institutions across Nigeria as part of a broader national health intervention.
