Residents of Lagos have expressed disappointment over the non-implementation of the state government’s promise to provide free antenatal and child delivery services in certain healthcare facilities across the state.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, residents highlighted their frustration with the unmet commitment made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to alleviate the economic burden on citizens through various interventions, including free healthcare services.
Despite the governor’s announcement during a media chat on February 22 regarding the reintroduction of free child delivery programs in state-owned hospitals and special maternity centers, residents reported that they were still being charged for maternity services.
Mrs. Funmilayo Olatunji, a trader who recently delivered at Ikorodu Health Centre, shared her experience of having to pay for child delivery fees, vaginal tear treatment, and other expenses, contrary to the promised free services.
Similarly, Mr. Michael Adebiyi recounted his hefty expenses for his wife’s caesarean section delivery at Ikorodu General Hospital, emphasizing that nothing was provided for free as expected.
Another resident, Mrs. Stella Nwosu, revealed how she resorted to a traditional birth attendant due to the unaffordable charges at government healthcare facilities.
An anonymous healthcare worker acknowledged the prevalent trend of pregnant women paying out-of-pocket for maternity services at government hospitals and emphasized the need for improved planning and compliance monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the program.
The disappointment expressed by residents underscores the urgency for effective implementation of the government’s promises, especially in light of the economic challenges faced by many families.
It is recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed the provision of free antenatal and child delivery services during a Security Council meeting in July 2023 as part of measures to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and enhance access to quality maternal and child healthcare services in line with the state’s Universal Health Coverage goals.
