Some Lagos residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of adherence to the state government’s free antenatal and child delivery services at certain General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state. They conveyed their concerns in individual interviews on Sunday in Lagos.
The discontent follows Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s announcement during a media chat on Feb. 22, regarding various interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of the current economic challenges on citizens. Among these measures, the governor reintroduced a program for free child delivery for expectant mothers in state-owned General Hospitals and special maternity centers.
However, residents reported that contrary to the announcement, they were still charged for services at these facilities. For instance, Mrs. Funmilayo Olatunji, who gave birth at Ikorodu Health Centre, Ita-Elewa, disclosed that she paid fees for child delivery and additional expenses, casting doubt on the supposed free service.
Similarly, Mr. Michael Adebiyi, whose wife underwent a caesarean section at Ikorodu General Hospital, Ebute, stated that they incurred substantial expenses for the delivery, contradicting the promise of free services.
Others like Mrs. Stella Nwosu opted for traditional birth attendants due to the high charges at government health facilities. A healthcare worker, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the prevalence of out-of-pocket payments for antenatal and delivery services at many government-owned facilities and emphasized the need for improved planning and monitoring of the program.
The economic challenges facing the country, particularly the increased costs of healthcare services and products, are exacerbating the situation for couples with unplanned pregnancies. As such, smart decision-making is encouraged, recognizing that child care encompasses a lifelong socio-economic commitment beyond access to free healthcare services.
In 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed General Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers to offer free antenatal care and child delivery services as part of relief measures in response to the removal of fuel subsidies, aiming to enhance access to quality maternal and child health services in alignment with the state government’s Universal Health Coverage goals.
