There have been alot of maternal mortalities, injuries, infections or diseases during childbirth in Nigeria. Majority of child bearing women fall within the low socioeconomic status. Therefore, the lack of health care for the mother and the developing fetus is a predominant feature. Prenatal care is not usually provided and post conception folic acid is not readily administered. Another challenging area of concern is that health is not adequately monitored during the three trimesters. Many unhealthy mothers and developing babies abound. Some mothers give birth in homes, sometimes with the assistance of nurse midwives. Some women give birth on their way to the hospital, as a means of last resort. Consequently, avoidable and preventable complications, diseases, and deaths occurs
In the U.S. A there is generally available adequate health care for all people in all socioeconomic classes. The informed make the most efficient use of available health care. These are lacking in Nigeria. In the U.S.A. the government provides adequate health care. The government does not provide health care in Nigeria. For a patient to be attended to, that patient must make reasonable amount and monetary deposit. Without money there is no care in Nigeria.
I think you are right on when you said the informed make most efficient use of available health care. Health care is available to many pregnant women in our country through Medicaid, if they qualify at or below a certain income level. I can understand how this information may not be known to all. When I was pregnant I was working full time and had medical insurance through my employer. My husband at the time was unemployed. To make a long story short a co worker of mine who knows the DSHS system very well informed me that based on my income and size of my family I would qualify for Medicaid during my pregnancy and delivery only. She was right and the Medicaid insurance picked up all of what my insurance company did not pay. I did not have any Dr. or hospital cost when I had my son. That was three years ago and I know there have now been significant Medicaid cuts, but I would encourage any pregnant woman who may qualify for assistance to apply so that they can get the care needed during pregnancy without the added financial stress.
ReplyDelete