Several residents of Lagos are dissatisfied with the non-implementation of the state government’s free antenatal and child delivery services at some general hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
During a media chat on February 22, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced free antenatal and child delivery services while outlining interventions to alleviate the impact of economic hardships on citizens.
According to the governor, the state government would reintroduce a free child delivery programme for expectant mothers in all state-owned general hospitals and special maternity centres, covering the costs of child delivery, including caesarean sections.
However, residents claim that these services are not being provided as promised.
Mr Michael Adebiyi, a man whose wife delivered at Ikorodu General Hospital, Ebute, revealed that 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.”
Similarly, Mrs Funmilayo Olatunji, a trader who delivered at Ikorodu Health Centre, Ita-Elewa, reported that she paid N8,000 for child delivery fees, N10,500 for vaginal tear, and additional costs for consumables.
Similar experiences were shared by other residents who questioned the implementation of the purported free services.
A healthcare worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that many pregnant women are paying out-of-pocket for antenatal and delivery services at government-owned facilities.
The healthcare worker stated that the programme requires improved planning, compliance monitoring, and management for sustainability.
Despite the government’s announcement to offer relief measures, residents continue to face financial burdens related to childbirth.
