By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
In what was intended to be a game-changing initiative for healthcare access in Ebonyi State, the government’s free medical outreach has faced an unexpected setback. Despite promises of free services, unauthorized fees are being levied on pregnant women seeking care at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), casting doubt on the integrity of the program and frustrating many beneficiaries.
The free healthcare initiative, which was launched to provide crucial medical support to civil servants, particularly pregnant women, has instead become a source of distress for some. These women, who were promised free services, have found themselves faced with unexpected charges for essential services, such as registration and medical supplies, which were meant to be fully covered under the outreach.
Unauthorized Charges Eroding Trust
Sources gathered from within the outreach report that officers in charge at these PHCs are collecting fees from pregnant women despite the official promise of free care. Women, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, have been caught off guard by these charges, with some paying as much as N5,000 for basic services. This practice has left many feeling disillusioned and betrayed by the very program meant to support them.
“I was told to pay N3,000 for registration and other services, but I thought the healthcare was free,” said one of the affected beneficiaries. “I am now confused and unsure if I can trust the government to keep its promises.”
Government Response: Under Investigation
Dr. Divine Igwe, the Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme (EBSHIA), addressed the issue during a recent press briefing, noting that the unauthorized charges were currently under investigation. He stressed that the government is fully committed to ensuring that no beneficiary pays for services covered by the free healthcare initiative.
Dr. Igwe clarified that most of the individuals claiming to have paid for services were often not registered in the scheme. He assured the public that they are taking serious steps to investigate the issue and hold any health officers involved accountable.
The Consequences: Returning to Traditional Birth Attendants
This issue is not just about broken promises—it has far-reaching consequences. Pregnant women, disheartened by the unexpected costs, are turning back to traditional birth attendants (TBAs), who, though offering services at a lower cost, lack the necessary medical equipment and expertise to handle childbirth complications. This poses a serious risk to both maternal and child health.
“The charges have forced me to reconsider my options,” said another affected woman. “I may have to go back to my TBA, as I can’t afford the extra fees here at the hospital.”
A Call for Action: Restoring Trust and Ensuring Free Access
While the investigation continues, the issue of unauthorized fees must be addressed quickly to prevent further erosion of trust. The government must implement stricter oversight of healthcare facilities involved in the program. Officers collecting unauthorized fees must be held accountable, and transparency must be reinforced to ensure that all services remain free, especially for the most vulnerable groups.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the System
While the free medical outreach has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access in Ebonyi, this issue with unauthorized charges threatens to undermine its success. By addressing these challenges head-on, the state can rebuild trust and ensure that its healthcare programs serve all citizens fairly, without financial barriers.
With transparent and accountable practices, Ebonyi’s medical outreach could become a model for other states, ensuring that every woman, especially those in need, can access life-saving care without unexpected costs.