NURTW Begins Free Transport Scheme For Pregnant Women

The Jigawa State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), on Wednesday said it had introduced free transport service to assist expectant mothers in rural communities.

The secretary of the union, Ibrahim Ahmad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Dutse that the programme was designed to provide free transport for pregnant women at the time of delivery.

Ahmad said the union had directed its members in all the 27 local government areas of the state to offer their vehicles free, to convey expectant mothers to the hospital.

He added that the union was working in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and NGOs, to identify communities that had no health facilities.

“We focus attention in areas where there is no health centre, to enable us assist and convey women in labour to the nearest health facility.

“This is to complement government’s effort to enhance safe motherhood and reduce maternal mortality rate,” Ahmad said.

The secretary added that the union had also selected four volunteer drivers in each of the 27 local councils, to facilitate smooth running of the programme.

Ahmad said the volunteer drivers were trained on special driving techniques and first aid.

“We are collaborating with community and religious leaders in the selection of volunteer drivers in the communities,” he added.

According to him, more than 500 women have benefited from the free transport service.