In a bid to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal, General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres in Lagos State are currently offering free antenatal care and child delivery services to pregnant women within the state.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, highlighted that the provision of these complimentary antenatal care and child delivery services is aimed at enhancing maternal and child health indicators in Lagos.
This announcement was made by Ogboye in a statement issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs in the state’s Ministry of Health, in Lagos on Sunday.
Ogboye made these remarks during visits to several state hospitals, including Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals, to monitor compliance with the directive.
Ogboye expressed his satisfaction with the level of adherence to the directive, emphasizing the government’s recognition of the vital role of maternal and child health in society.
“The governor acknowledged that the cost of antenatal care and child delivery services would contribute to the financial burden resulting from fuel subsidy removal and impact the cost of living for expectant parents. This is why the governor introduced the initiative of free medical care as part of the measures to alleviate this burden.”
“I am genuinely impressed by the degree of compliance with Mr. Governor’s directive on free antenatal and child delivery services, as observed during my visits to the health facilities.”
“After touring the ANC clinics, post-delivery wards, and baby nurseries at Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals, it was truly heartwarming to see the happiness on the faces of the newborns and their parents.”
“I extend my gratitude to the hospital management and healthcare workers for swiftly implementing the necessary procedures in line with the Governor’s directive. This highlights the synchronization of all government institutions in addressing the challenges posed by fuel subsidy removal and the steps taken to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens.”
Ogboye underscored that the medical intervention covers the expenses related to antenatal care, including registration and ANC clinic visits, as well as regular and cesarean section child delivery services.
He added that this healthcare initiative, aimed at improving access to quality maternal and child health services, aligns with the state government’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Furthermore, Ogboye reiterated the current administration’s commitment to providing access to quality and efficient healthcare services. The Permanent Secretary also assured the government’s determination to develop strategies aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating maternal, child, and infant mortality rates, while also enhancing maternal and child health indicators.
Dr. Bamidele Mustapha, the Medical Director of Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, noted that around 30 registered women at the hospital have benefited from the free antenatal and child delivery services, including cesarean sections, without any cost to the recipients.
On July 31, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos directed general hospitals and primary healthcare centres to offer complimentary antenatal care and child delivery services to expectant mothers. This decision was part of the comprehensive measures introduced to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the residents of Lagos.
