Omanyo calls for free maternity services in Public hospitals

The Acting Secretary General of the ODM Party, Catherine Omanyo has called on the government to scrap maternity fees in public hospitals and ensure all patients are covered under SHA.Addresing the press after visiting pregnant women at Busia County Referral Hospital Omanyo, said pregnant women should be treated as a special group requiring urgent and dedicated care, and should not be charged for admission or delivery services in government health facilities

“It is important for the government to ensure that pregnant women are not charged when they go to deliver. These are individuals who need immediate and specialized care, and such services should be provided free of charge in public hospitals,” ~ Catherine Omanyo

Omanyo noted that waiving these costs would play a significant role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates across the country. She urged the Ministry of Health to take swift action to improve maternity services, pointing out that many women are often detained in hospitals after giving birth due to their inability to settle medical bills.

"N o woman should never be punished for giving birth. every woman who gives birth in a government hospital should just be cleared without any more torture. Detaining a child of below 17yrs for over four months because they have not paid bill its inhumane." Catherine Omanyo

Additionally, she has called on officers under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to be stationed in hospitals to ensure that every patient admitted is verified for registration under the SHA cover. She stressed that those not registered should be assisted promptly to enrol so they can access necessary medical services without delay.

Her remarks come amid growing concern over access to affordable maternal healthcare and the need for systemic reforms to protect vulnerable groups.