EDO: Pregnant Women Protest Lack Of Antenatal Facilities In Govt. Hospital

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Ignatius Okpara, Latest Headlines, News From The State Tuesday, May 6th, 2014

Ignatius Okpara , Benin

Scores of aggrieved pregnant women on Monday took to the streets of Benin city, the Edo state capital, to protest the lack of ante-natal facilities at the State Government-owned Central Hospital in the city.

The 200 expectant mothers alleged that it had become extremely difficult for them to access ante-natal facilities at the referral hospital, even when the state government claimed that everything was available for free.

A group of pregnant women protesting in Benin on Monday

The women chanted solidarity songs as they marched through major streets of Benin with placards and green leaves, showing that they were unhappy with the poor situation on ground in spite of the heavy investment the government claimed it was making in the health sector.

“For two months since we registered, we could not do anything. They said there is no equipment to conduct test.

“The doctors cannot make diagnosis without test. Even ultra scan, we cannot do it. That is why we are in the street protesting, said one of the them who simply identified her self as Evelyn.

They explained that their action was also aimed at drawing government’s attention to the poor condition of service in the hospital.

The protesters also marched to the Edo State Government House, located at the Government Reservation Area GRA, where they sought audience with Governor Adams Oshiomhole, but were disappointed when they learnt that the governor was not around.

They were later addressed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Steven Idehenre, who promised them that the government would quickly address their plight.

However efforts to get reaction of the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aihanuwa Eregie, was unsuccessful as he could not be reached.