Women hail NASS for proposing free antenatal services

dimeji akinloye

October 12, 2016 10:26 AM

Some of the mothers lauded the initiative while others want that govt should ensure free medical services for women in all aspect.

Govt to establish special health centres for pregnant women

A cross section of women in Lagos on Tuesday commended members of the

Some of the mothers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), lauded the initiative, while others suggested that government should ensure free medical services for women in all aspect.

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives on Oct. 6, called on government at all levels to make qualitative ante-natal services free and accessible.

The call followed a motion by Rep. Aishatu Dukku (APC-Gombe) on the need to address high rate of maternal mortality in the country.

Dukku expressed worries over claims that Nigeria was the next country after India with the highest maternal mortality rate in the world.

Mrs Chinyere Jack, a banker, said the initiative by the lawmaker was good.

“It is a good idea because it will allow every mother the opportunity to access healthcare services.

“At this time of recession, government needs to take good care of women because they are always at the receiving end of everything whether good or bad,’’ Jack said.

Mrs Ndidi Iheme, a fashion designer, also said the idea was pleasant.

“It is not a bad thing although some government hospitals have been rendering free services, but not in all cases.

“Government should compel private hospitals to also do the same; their charges for antenatal ranges between N15, 000 and N20,000,’’ Iheme said.

Mrs Chinwe Amos, a petty trader, said it was a good development.

“It is a good development but government needs to do something beyond just making antenatal services free.

“Mothers and in fact every woman needs to be paid a stipend at the end of every month whether married or unmarried, we should be appreciated,’’ Amos said.

Mrs Nta Ita, a human resource officer, also urged government to make education free for women.

“Education for women should be free because even when the lawmakers plan eventually comes to fruition some women will still not see the need to attend.

“This will also help to prevent child death,’’ Ita said.

dimeji akinloye