Health
Edo medical centre offers one-year free antenatal care
Adeyinka Adedipe
Five pregnant women will benefit from Med-Vical International free antenatal care throughout the period of their pregnancies.
No fewer than 3,000 residents of Benin City, Edo State will also benefit from a free health outreach and screening programme by the medical centre.
Speaking on Tuesday at the commencement of the three-day anniversary celebration, the Partnership/Business Development Executive of Med-Vical International, Nana Osasa, said the 2026 anniversary is focused on improving maternal, new-born and child health through preventive healthcare, community engagement and improved access to quality medical services.
The activities also include health education in communities, donation of essential drugs to selected primary healthcare centres and a public health lecture.
According to Osasa, the free health outreach was organised as part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility to bridge healthcare access gaps, particularly for vulnerable residents who are unable to afford hospital services.
He said, “This year’s anniversary is centred on maternal, new-born and child health because we recognise the need to support mothers and children through quality healthcare services.
“Beyond providing treatment, we want to educate people and encourage preventive healthcare,” she said.
He disclosed that Med-Vical International partnered the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EdoHIS) to educate residents on the benefits of enrolling in health insurance, noting that many people are unaware that affordable healthcare services can be accessed through the scheme.
“Healthcare should not be beyond the reach of anyone because of cost. Through this collaboration, we are helping people understand that health insurance provides an opportunity to access quality medical care without financial hardship,” Osasa added.
He further revealed that five pregnant women would receive free antenatal care for one year until delivery through sponsorship provided by partners and supporters of the initiative.
“We are targeting over 300 beneficiaries during the outreach, while five pregnant women will enjoy free antenatal care from registration through delivery. This is our way of giving back to society and supporting safer motherhood,” he said.
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