Lagos residents express concern over non-implementation of free antenatal and child delivery services

Some Lagos residents have raised concerns about the reported non-implementation of the Lagos State government’s free antenatal and child delivery services at certain General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state.

Speaking in separate interviews on Sunday, residents criticized what they perceive as lip service to the announced initiative.

Residents claim that the promised free services are not being implemented on the ground. A trader who delivered at Ikorodu Health Centre, Ita-Elewa, disclosed that she paid for child delivery fees, vaginal tears, and other services, contrary to the announced free services.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had, during a media chat on February 22, outlined interventions aimed at alleviating the economic challenges faced by citizens.

It’s important to note that Governor Sanwo-Olu had, in 2023, directed General Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres to offer free antenatal care and child delivery services as part of relief measures in response to the fuel subsidy removal.

The initiative aimed to increase access to quality maternal and child health services in alignment with the state government’s Universal Health Coverage attainment drive.