Delta Sacks Health Workers for Extorting Pregnant Women Despite Free Care Policy

The Delta State Government has dismissed and demoted several health workers for allegedly extorting pregnant women and children under five, despite the state’s free healthcare policy for these groups. Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, made this known during the flag-off of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project in Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

Onojaeme explained that while most health workers have performed well, a few have been caught demanding money from patients for drugs and services that are already covered by the government, and in some cases still submitting bills for reimbursement. He stressed that medical care for pregnant women up to delivery, as well as healthcare for children under five, is fully funded by the state. According to him, those found guilty of misconduct have faced disciplinary measures, with some demoted and others sacked.

The commissioner urged residents to report any cases of extortion by health workers, noting that a special phone line will soon be made available to lodge complaints directly with the governor’s office. He further highlighted progress in maternal health, stating that Delta’s maternal mortality rate has reduced from over 200 to less than 120 per 100,000 live births, with hopes of lowering the figure even more through the new project.

A representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, John Ovuoraye, also attended the event and reaffirmed the federal government’s support for states in tackling maternal and neonatal deaths. He identified five local government areas in Delta—Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele—as high-risk zones.

The project is being implemented with support from international partners including USAID, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and European agencies. A task force has also been inaugurated to ensure effective execution of the project’s plans.

This development comes less than a year after Ebonyi State faced a similar scandal, where six health workers were arrested for allegedly diverting medical supplies, and the state commissioner for health was suspended for poor oversight.