OOUTH advocates stronger referral system to curb maternal deaths

Dr Oluseun Adek, chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), called for stronger emergency referral systems to reduce preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria. Speaking at an Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria meeting in Abeokuta, he said transport and communication delays can prevent women with complications, including severe bleeding after childbirth, from reaching specialist care in time. He also urged wider access to essential medicines, community screening, and the use of mosques and mobile technology for health education and emergency coordination. The association’s Ogun State chairman, Dr Ibraheem Opeewe, called for greater support to expand its outreach activities.