Delta State has sacked and demoted health workers for extorting pregnant women and children under five despite a free healthcare policy

The Delta State Government has dismissed and demoted several health workers found guilty of extorting money from pregnant women and children under five, despite the state’s free healthcare policy.

Also read: Delta Police Arrest Kidnappers who Shot Victim after Ransom

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this on Saturday at Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, during the launch of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project Action Plan.

According to Onojaeme, government investigations revealed that some hospital staff were collecting cash from patients while still billing the state for the same services.

“The health workers in the state have actually done well, but you know that in every 12, there is Judas,” he said. “Pregnant women and children under five are entitled to free healthcare.

Yet we discovered cases where money was collected from them for drugs and treatment, while bills were still sent to government. We have demoted some of these fraudulent health workers and sacked many within this short period.”

The commissioner urged mothers to report any health worker demanding payment.

“Report any health worker immediately who collects money for the treatment of any child under five in our hospitals. We run free treatment for pregnant women until delivery.

The government is paying, and hospitals must not collect money from them,” Onojaeme warned, adding that a hotline would be provided for complaints.

Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr John Ovuoraye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for states to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

He revealed that 172 local government areas in 33 states had been identified as high-risk zones, including five in Delta—Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu and Sapele.

Delta State runs a policy of free healthcare for pregnant women and under-fives as part of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality. Despite progress, challenges of fraud, malpractice and poor accountability continue to undermine the scheme.