The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to mandate public healthcare institutions to provide free medical treatment for pregnant women during and after delivery.
This call follows the adoption of a motion by Rep. Mohammed Shehu (PDP-Bauchi) during the plenary on Wednesday.
The House also urged the ministry to implement routine checks to ensure continuity, compliance by medical personnel, and the sustainability of childbirth processes.
Rep. Shehu highlighted that public healthcare institutions were established to provide medical services to the public, equipped with modern medical facilities, and supplied with necessary drugs.
Despite healthcare services not being restricted to pregnant women, he noted that efforts to encourage free treatment for expectant mothers have not been fully realized.
Considering Nigeria’s fertility statistics, Shehu emphasized the need for free medical treatment for pregnant women to boost the country’s fertility rate.
He pointed out that Nigeria faces high disease rates, leading to an annual maternal mortality rate due to pregnancy complications and the polio virus.
He stressed the importance of having public healthcare institutions staffed with medical professionals who can provide adequate attention to patients, including pregnant women, during childbirth to address complications and find permanent solutions.
“There is a need for the government to prioritise policy actions aimed at improving healthcare delivery systems, particularly for pregnant women, to alleviate their hardships and boost their confidence,” Shehu said.
In his ruling, Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu mandated the Committee on Healthcare Services and Healthcare Institutions to liaise with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare to ensure compliance.
The committee is to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.