Lagos state-run hospitals begin offering free antenatal, delivery services to residents

Sequel to a directive, last month by Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, state-owned General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres have began providing free antenatal care and child delivery services to pregnant women, as part of measures to ease the burden of the fuel subsidy removal on residents.

It would be recalled last July 31, Governor Sanwo-Olu, directed state-owned General Hospitals to offer free ante-natal services and delivery; normal and C-section services, among other measures which included road and waterways transport fare reduction, as part of ‘a series of measures for economic and humanitarian relief’ following the petro subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Making the announcement, in a message addressed to residents, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the move was ‘in response to the effects of the fuel subsidy removal,’ as the measures, according to him, they are part of ‘a series of measures for economic and humanitarian relief.’

The measure, the governor said, will take effect from Wednesday, August 2.

“I understand the concerns and challenges faced by our citizens during these growth and transformational times. In response to the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, I’m introducing a series of measures for economic and humanitarian relief.

“From Wednesday, we’re implementing a 50% fare reduction on all Lagos Buses, easing the burden on commuters across the city. In collaboration with the bus unions, 25% off all yellow buses (danfo) fares will be communicated officially by the unions.

“Additionally, I’m pleased to announce a 50% fare reduction on all LagFerry routes. This will provide more accessible and affordable transportation options for our residents.

“Recognizing the importance of affordable healthcare, I’m directing our General Hospitals to offer free ante-natal services and delivery; normal and C-section services. This is ensuring the health of our families are taken care of without worrying about financial constraints.

“Our dedicated Lagos State Workers are vital to our progress as a state. To support you during this transition, we’re expanding the fleet of Staff Buses for our public service employees. Your well-being is top priority.

“Standing in solidarity with the vulnerable in our society, we’re providing direct food relief to the vulnerable through various stakeholders – CDAs, Religious Groups, etc,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, confirming the commencement of free medical services, Monday, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, said this during compliance monitoring visits to some state hospitals including the Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals.

The implementation of the free antenatal care and child delivery services would help improve maternal and child health indices in Lagos.

Ogboye expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance to the directive, noting that the government recognises the prime place of maternal and child health in the society.

“The governor recognised that the cost of antenatal care and child delivery services would add to the burden of fuel subsidy removal on cost of living for expectant parents.

“This is why the governor announced the free medical intervention as part of the rolled out measures to ease off the burden.

“I am impressed by the level of compliance to Mr Governor’s free antenatal and child delivery service directive at the health facilities visited.

“Having gone round the ANC clinics, post-delivery wards and baby nurseries at the Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals, it is heart-warming to see the smiles on the faces of newly born and their parents.

“I would like to thank the management of these hospitals and the health workers for quickly putting in place modalities and carrying out the Governor’s directive to the letter.

“This is an indication that all government institutions are in sync regarding the harsh reality of fuel subsidy removal and the intervention to ameliorate the suffering of citizens,” he said.

Ogboye noted that the medical intervention would cover the cost of antenatal care including cost of registration and ANC clinics, as well as normal and caesarean section child delivery services.

According to him, the health intervention which seeks to increase access to quality maternal and child health services, is in line with the state government’s Universal Health Coverage attainment drive.