Outrage as Abia govt gives women who deliver in primary healthcare centres N500

Nigerians have reacted angrily to the governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu’s announcement that women who give birth in the state’s primary health care facilities will be given N500.

The Governor made the remarks on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Wednesday.

“Abia State has tapped into the basic health insurance for pregnant women,” Ikpeazu said. You will receive N500 if you give birth in one of our centers. The delivery is free; they give you a delivery pack and N500, which goes to the society’s most vulnerable members.”

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When asked what the money would do for the new mothers, the governor responded, “Free delivery, are you asking a poor woman what she will do with N500?” Some people are deficient in this area. At the very least, it will pay for their return trip.”

His remark, however, sparked outrage, particularly on the microblogging site Twitter.

“Abia state hasn’t had basic leadership since 1999,” wrote Twitter user @EgboDaniel1. It’s been one disaster after another, from Orji Uzo Kalu to Theodore Orji to Okezie Ikpeazu.”

“Okezie Ikpeaz needs to be flogged like a baby seriously,” another Twitter user, @uchesame, wrote. The bravado with which he declared #500 is infuriating.”

“A sitting state governor who doesn’t know how much he owes resident doctors in his state!!!” wrote another user of the platform, @Sports Doctor2. Okezuo Ikpeazu, if clueless was a man, he’d be my state governor! My heart just can’t take it any longer, mehn. Last but not least, you own doctors for 22 MONTHS SALARY!!!” (sic)

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According to the Abia State Strategy Health Development Plan, the state has 687 primary health care centers spread across its 17 LGAs.

As part of the basic health insurance program for pregnant women, the governor said the state offers free delivery and a N500 take-home package.