Lagos State Health District I has commenced a collaboration between Registered Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs, and Alimosho General Hospital to strengthen referrals and improve maternal and perinatal care at the grassroots.
Speaking during the engagement, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District I, Dr. Sola Pitan, said the initiative is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare and promoting safer motherhood across communities.
Dr. Pitan emphasised the importance of prompt referrals, noting that TBAs should refer patients to appropriate health facilities when cases become critical or exceed their capacity.
He disclosed that the need for stronger referral pathways became evident during a previous training session, when TBAs indicated that they had not referred a patient to a General Hospital in four years.
The Medical Director of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, described the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between TBAs and the hospital while helping practitioners understand the limits of their practice.
Dr. Akinlade provided members of his management team as direct contacts for referrals and encouraged TBAs to notify the hospital ahead of referrals to enable medical personnel to prepare for incoming patients.
The TBAs, who described themselves as key points of contact for women in their communities, called for improved communication with hospitals, easier access to medical personnel and regular training programmes.
Responding, Dr. Akinlade assured them that the hospital remains accessible and committed to addressing challenges affecting the referral process.
The initiative focuses on safer deliveries, stronger partnerships, healthier mothers and babies, and improved community health outcomes.
