Ogun State PHCs Demand Fuel from Pregnant Women for Delivery Amid Power Crisis

An investigation by PUNCH HealthWise has revealed that several Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Ogun State are demanding fuel from pregnant women before they can deliver their babies, with some requiring up to five litres or a monetary equivalent of approximately N5,000. This is attributed to the state’s persistent power supply issues, which have crippled essential hospital services, especially in rural areas....CONTINUE READING>>>

In areas like Magboro, Ibafo, and Mowe, pregnant women have shared experiences of being asked to bring fuel for the centers’ generators when their delivery falls at night or if they have to stay overnight for monitoring. The request for fuel is often disclosed only when the woman is about to go into labor, with no prior notice during antenatal visits.

A health worker at Ibafo PHC stated, “Ah ah, you don’t need to know that now. You’ll know on the delivery day.” Meanwhile, Atoke, a mother who had delivered at Mowe, confirmed that she was asked for five litres of fuel, which she paid for instead. Others similarly shared that they were required to provide fuel for the generators to ensure there was power during the night for their deliveries.

In contrast, Ofada PHC was able to provide continuous power due to its solar panels and inverters, though other centers still struggle with the issue. At Sagamu’s Makun PHC, the situation was no different, with the staff admitting that there was no functional transformer for power and that patients had to bring their own petrol for the generator if they wanted additional lighting at night.

One of the staff members at Makun PHC explained, “For now, we don’t have a power supply because the transformer has a problem. We have solar panels, but the generator requires petrol to run at night.” In this facility, the solar panels provide power only for essential lighting, leaving fans and air conditioning unavailable unless the patients can supply fuel.

In some centers, a “candle requirement” has been introduced. At Ajaka PHC, patients are asked to bring candles and matches, a necessity highlighted during visits when power was out. The staff explained that the lack of power sometimes meant that only a minimal amount of light could be provided during deliveries.

The nationwide energy crisis, characterized by frequent grid collapses and a shortage of stable power supply, is affecting both public and private hospitals in Nigeria. According to PUNCH Healthwise, hospitals now spend millions on fuel to maintain generators, passing the cost on to patients.

At Ikenne’s PHCs, however, the solar system provided enough power to prevent the need for patients to bring fuel for deliveries. In the case of power failure, they would still rely on solar energy, ensuring a more reliable service for expectant mothers.

Despite the worsening power supply situation, maternal health experts such as Professor Oluwarotimi Akinola have strongly condemned the reliance on candles during childbirth. He emphasized the necessity of proper lighting, stating that inadequate illumination can lead to complications. Dr. Joseph Akinde also noted the risks posed by inadequate lighting and the importance of proper sanitation, which requires water and power.

Health advocate Ayo Adebusoye added that the lack of consistent power undermines the healthcare system and patient care, particularly for essential services such as neonatal care and emergency treatments. He called for increased investment in solar energy systems and reliable power sources in PHCs.

In response to the issue, Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health, condemned the practice of asking pregnant women to provide fuel or candles. She stated that no woman should be asked to pay for fuel for delivery, as most PHCs are equipped with solar panels. Dr. Coker emphasized that her department had been working to ensure all health centers were properly equipped, stating that solar panels were being installed in more facilities to guarantee safe delivery conditions.

She concluded, “If any woman is asked to pay for fuel, they should report to the PHC board or call me directly.” Dr. Coker also highlighted the ongoing renovation and solar power installations, with plans to enhance facilities with adequate power supply for maternal care.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire for many expectant mothers in Ogun State, with inadequate power supply continuing to complicate delivery services at several PHCs.