The House of Representatives on Wednesday tasked the Federal Government to offer free medical treatment to pregnant women in public health facilities in the country during and after delivery.
According to the Lawmakers in the lower legislative chamber who made the call, it is the responsibility of government-owned medical centres to offer free treatment to the people, especially pregnant women.
News About Nigeria reports that the motion for making public hospitals free for pregnant women was brought on the floor of the Green Chamber on Wednesday during plenary by the member representing Zaki Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Mohammed Shehu.
According to the lawmaker, government established public healthcare institutions have over the years failed to fully carryout their responsibility of free treatment for those suffering from ill health despite annual budgetary allocations to run and maintain them.
He further noted that, besides free medical attention for pregnant women, there is a need for adequate professionals for patients including pregnant women to get proper medical attention in these public healthcare facilities.
He said, “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 public healthcare institutions needs to have medical professionals give adequate attention to patients, including pregnant women, during childbirth to address complications and find permanent solutions.”
