Bauchi Warns Workers Against Illegal Antenatal Care Fees

Bauchi State government has warned healthcare workers against charging pregnant women Antenatal Care (ANC) fees.

It declared that the service remains completely free in the state.

The executive chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, sounded the alarm durin a chat with journalists, stressing that any health worker caught demanding money from expectant mothers would face strict disciplinary action.

“Antenatal Care is free in all government health facilities in Bauchi State.

“Any healthcare worker found charging pregnant women for services rendered will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

He explained that the policy was deliberately designed to protect the lives of mothers and their unborn children, while boosting access to quality maternal healthcare, especially for women in rural and low-income communities.

To him, free ANC services are a key part of the state’s strategy to reduce maternal and infant mortality and to encourage pregnant women to seek early and regular medical attention.

Dr Mohammed urged pregnant women to report any cases of extortion to the appropriate authorities, assuring them of the government’s commitment to safeguarding their health and wellbeing.

The warning comes amid renewed efforts by the state government to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and enforce accountability within public health facilities.