Members of House of Representatives, have called on the Federal Government to provide free medical treatment for pregnant women in public health institutions.
The resolution was passed on Wednesday following a motion brought forward by Mohammed Shehu, the representative of Zaki Federal Constituency in Bauchi State.
Shehu emphasised that the government established public healthcare institutions to serve humanity by providing medical services, including the treatment of pregnant women.
He highlighted that despite annual budgetary allocations, these institutions have not fully utilized their potential to offer free healthcare services, particularly to expectant mothers.
“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,” Shehu stated.
He pointed out that Nigeria faces high disease rates, leading to a significant maternal mortality rate due to pregnancy complications and related issues.
Shehu criticised the neglect in public healthcare institutions, which often results in inadequate attention from medical professionals to pregnant women during childbirth.
This neglect, he argued, exacerbates complications and increases maternal and child mortality rates.
The House resolution urges the Federal Ministry of Health to issue directives that would enable free medical treatment for pregnant women during and after delivery in public healthcare institutions.
The resolution also calls for the implementation of routine checks to ensure compliance and sustainability of these healthcare services.
Moreover, the House mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services and Healthcare Institutions to engage with the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, to develop and propose solutions for the initiative.
The committee is expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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