Reps Advocate for Free Treatment for Pregnant Women in Public Hospitals

Lawmakers in the lower legislative chamber on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to offer pregnant women free medical treatment in public health institutions during and after delivery.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion brought on the floor of the Green Chamber on Wednesday during plenary by the member representing Zaki Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Mohammed Shehu.

The lawmaker while moving the motion said the government established public healthcare institutions to provide medical services to humanity, supplied drugs equipped and treated people including pregnant women in the country.

He also said that government-owned institutions have not fully utilised their responsibility of free treatment for those suffering from ill health in the past couple of years, despite annual budgetary allocations to run and maintain them.

“The Federal Government allocates an annual budget to public healthcare institutions to fund healthcare service delivery to the citizens, particularly pregnant women whose families cannot afford medical treatment during pregnancy and childbirth.

“Nigeria is grappling with high disease rates, resulting in an annual maternal mortality rate of expectant mothers and children due to pregnancy complications and the polio virus.

“We are aware that government neglect requires public healthcare institutions to have medical professionals give adequate attention to patients, including pregnant women, during childbirth to address complications and find permanent solutions,” he said.

Shehu further called on the Federal Government to prioritize policy actions aimed at improving healthcare delivery systems, particularly for pregnant women, to alleviate their hardships and boost their confidence.

The House following its resolution the Federal Ministry of Health to issue directives “Enabling free medical treatment for pregnant women during and after delivery in public healthcare institutions and implement routine checks to ensure continuity, compliance by medical personnel, and sustainability of childbirth processes.”

The House further mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services and Healthcare Institutions to invite the Hon Minister of Health, Ali Pate to propose a solution to the initiative and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.