Residents decry non-implementation of free antenatal, delivery services in Lagos

Several Lagos residents have expressed frustration over the failure to implement the state government’s free antenatal and child delivery services at certain General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.

Residents expressed their concerns in individual interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Report state that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had announced various interventions during a media chat on Feb. 22 to alleviate the impact of the current economic challenges on the citizens.

Regarding health, Sanwo-Olu reintroduced a program offering free child delivery for expectant mothers in all state-owned General Hospitals and specialized maternity centers. The governor stated that the state government would cover the costs of child delivery, including cesarean sections, and reduce the prices of certain medications like hypertension drugs.

However, residents observed that the implementation of free antenatal and child delivery services appeared to be mere rhetoric, noting that hospitals still charged for every service provided. Mrs. Funmilayo Olatunji, a trader who gave birth at the Ikorodu Health Centre, Ita-Elewa, stated that delivery services were not provided free of charge at the center.

“I had normal delivery at the centre in February 2024. We paid N8,000 for child delivery fees, N10,500 for vaginal tear, and a cartoon of Maltina.

“I’m surprised to hear that the child delivery service was meant to be free at government facilities because the reverse was my experience,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Michael Adebiyi, whose wife delivered at Ikorodu General Hospital, Ebute, said he spent over N250,000 for caesarean section delivery and consumables at the hospital.

“My wife gave birth in February, and we paid for everything needed for the delivery, from blood to caesarean section charges.

“Nothing was free; in fact, I’m still owing some people because I had to run around to source for the money.

“I was happy when I heard last year that expectant mothers would enjoy free child delivery services at government health facilities as part of relief measures to ease economic burden on families.

“The government should put mechanisms in place to ensure that policies made truly impact on the lives of citizens,” he said.

Also, Mrs Stella Nwosu, a hairstylist, said that she switched to a trado-medical centre for antenatal and child delivery due to the high service charges.

“Sometimes in September, I went to Amuwo-Odofin General Hospital to register for antenatal service and was told to pay ₦30,000.

“We couldn’t afford it because every child care item is expensive, and to feed is even a challenge. My mother-in-law took me to a traditional birth attendant, and I delivered my baby there,” she said.

A healthcare professional, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed NAN that many pregnant women are still paying for antenatal and delivery services out-of-pocket at several government-owned facilities.

They suggested that the program required better planning, monitoring for compliance, and effective management to ensure sustainability.

The healthcare worker highlighted the country’s economic challenges, which have led to increased costs of products, particularly medications and healthcare services, further exacerbating the situation for couples with unplanned pregnancies.

They advised couples to make informed decisions, emphasizing that childcare entails a lifelong socio-economic commitment that extends beyond access to free antenatal and delivery services.

NAN’s report indicated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in 2023 during the state’s Security Council meeting on July 31, 2023, directed General Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers to provide free antenatal care and child delivery services.

This initiative is part of relief measures aimed at alleviating the impact of fuel subsidy removal. The medical intervention covers the costs of antenatal care, including registration and ANC clinics, as well as normal and cesarean section delivery services. Additionally, it aims to enhance access to quality maternal and child health services in alignment with the state government’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.