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Summary
The Delta State government sacked and demoted erring health workers who were found guilty of extorting pregnant women. Despite the state's free maternal healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, many health workers collect money for treatment paid by the government.
The Delta State Government sacked and demoted Health workers found guilty of extorting money from pregnant women despite the state’s free maternal healthcare policy. This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaema.
This was made known during the flag-off of the maternal and neonatal mortality reduction innovation and initiative project, at Ashaka in Ndokwa East local government, Delta State. Dr. Joseph explained that the medical expenses of all pregnant women are covered by the state government until delivery. This treatment also includes children under the age of five.
On January 1, 2025, the Delta State government began a free Health commission that allows pregnant women in the state to receive free treatment, antenatal, and delivery at any government hospital or primary healthcare centre of their choice. They only need to register under the scheme after they have confirmed that they are pregnant. Significantly, this development has reduced the state’s maternal mortality rate from over 200 to less than 120 per 100, 000 live births.
“We have received reports that some pregnant women and children under five visit our hospitals across the state, and some health workers will collect money from them for drugs. We have demoted some of these fraudulent health workers and sacked many within this short period,” he said.
Dr. Joseph urged residents to report any erring health worker, while assuring them that continuous monitoring and support from mothers can help reduce this practice.
