LASG URGESTRADITIONAL/COMMUNITY BIRTH ATTENDANTS TO PRIORITISE PROFESSIONALISM IN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY

 … As LASCOHET, LSTMB Produce 200 Graduates

Lagos State Government on Thursday charged the Traditional Birth Attendants and Community Birth Attendants’ trainees of the School of Community Health, Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET) on the need to act professionally on the job, urging them to work within the limitation and guiding principles.

This admonition was given during the Third Convocation Ceremony of the School held within the premises of Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Yaba, for over 200 birth attendants comprising the year 2018, 2022 and 2024 sets.

The Acting Provost of the College, Mrs. Oyeronke Uthman-Izobo enjoined the graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution and practice under the ethical code of conduct of the profession.

She said that the due recognition given to practitioners of traditional medicine in Lagos State is as a result of the all-inclusiveness policy of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to ensure universal health coverage for the residents either through orthodox medicine or traditional healthcare.

Uthman-Izobo added that the merging of traditional and scientific medical practices is a clear indication that the government recognises the impact of traditional medical personnel and prioritises the health of residents.

The Acting Provost noted that the initiative has built confidence in traditional medical practitioners to practise openly without fear of being sanctioned as the profession is now a certified course in the State College of Health Technology.

While congratulating the graduands, the Registrar, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), Prince Babatunde Adele commended them for their hard work and dedication towards advancing their career, knowledge, and skills in providing essential healthcare to mothers and children during childbirth.

He maintained that the roles of the trainees as Traditional Birth Attendants and Community Birth Attendants respectively are vital in promoting safe delivery and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the state. Adele, therefore, urged the graduands to uphold the highest level of professionalism, compassion, and integrity in their practice.

He advised them to embrace continuous learning, upgrade themselves to the best medical practice, and prioritise the safety and well-being of mothers and babies under their care.

While informing the graduands of the efforts of the State Government through the Ministry of Health to curtail the spread of cholera in the State, the Registrar urged them to take precautionary measures and stay safe while attending to patients. He emphasised the importance of licensing in their profession, saying the agency would always update them on special courses relevant to their practice.

The Dean, School of Community Health, LASCOHET, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Sanni remarked that the graduates have embraced the noble calling that has committed them to support and empower mothers during childbirth.

She, however, urged the graduates to always put in their best and build on the already established confidence they got from the state government’s regularisation.

The Guest Speaker of the event, Comrade Balogun Francis. JP, in his address, urged the graduates to know their limitations and advised them to refer any case beyond their care as soon as possible to appropriate facilities.

He highlighted severe medical conditions that need the urgent attention of experts in the orthodox medical field, emphasising the importance of referral when the need arises.

As part of the convocation ceremony, Awards of Excellence were presented to some of the graduands and stakeholders of LASCOHET and LSTMB.