Top Eight Hospitals Offering Free Antenatal Care in Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos state has taken significant steps to supporting and improving maternal health in the state through its initiative to offer free antenatal care and child delivery services in public hospitals across Lagos. This initiative of his excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and to also ease the financial burden on expectant mothers, particularly in the wake of economic challenges caused by the fuel subsidy removal.

While the availability and quality of these services can vary, several public hospitals within the state have been known for providing free antenatal care.

Here is a list of Eight (8) hospitals in Lagos state where pregnant women can receive free antenatal care:

1. General Hospital, Lagos Island

Located at the heart of Lagos Island, the General Hospital is an important part of the Lagos state's healthcare system.It’s long history is connected to the growth of the city and it still plays a key part in providing healthcare to the people who live there. The hospital has a special ward for pregnant women with medical workers like obstetricians, gynaecologists, and midwives who work round the clock to provide this this women with quality healthcare services

The Free Antenatal Care Services provided include:

The hospital's strategic location makes it easy to a large the population, and its long history of excellence for maternal care brings women from different parts of Lagos. But because there are so many patients, waiting periods can be quite long.

2. Ikeja General Hospital

Located in the busy Ikeja area, Ikeja General Hospital, Lagos is a modern facility offering a range of healthcare services, which includes complete antenatal care. The hospital has invested in modern tools and infrastructure to provide quality maternal health care.

The Free Antenatal Care Services provided include:

Ikeja General Hospital's dedication to maternal healthcare is obvious through its patient-focused approach and focus on preventive care. The hospital also offers postnatal care services, ensuring continuity of care for both mother and child.

3. Lagos Island Maternity Hospital

As the name implies, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital is primarily committed to maternal and child health. This specialised attention allows the hospital to provide exceptional antenatal care services and a nurturing environment for pregnant women.

The free Antenatal Care Services provided include:

The hospital's focus on maternal and child health ensures that pregnant women receive the proper attention and care throughout their pregnancy and afterward. However, due to its specialised nature, it might have limited room compared to general hospitals.

4. Gbagada General Hospital

Gbagada General Hospital,Lagos is known for its community-oriented approach to treatment. The hospital offers a number of antenatal care services in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The Free Antenatal Care Services provided include:

The hospital's attention on community health extends to postnatal care and child welfare programs, ensuring the overall health of mothers and children after pregnancy.

5. Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital

Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Lagos is one of the major hospitals offering free antenatal and child delivery services, including Caesarean sections. The hospital has adopted these services as part of the Lagos State Government’s directive to improve the health of mothers and their children. The medical director, Dr. Bamidele Mustapha, reported that many families have benefited from these programmes, which aim is to reduce the the financial burden of maternity costs on expectant mothers

6. Isolo General Hospital

Another key hospital contributing to this effort is Isolo General Hospital. The hospital offers free antenatal care and delivery services, adding significantly to the state’s efforts to provide affordable and easily accessible healthcare. Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, noted the hospital's compliance with the governor’s directive during an inspection visit, emphasising the positive effect on the health of mothers and children statistics

7. Massey Street Children’s Hospital

Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos is another hospital that includes free antenatal care into its services. This hospital, known for its focus on maternal and child health, serves the state’s goal of improving health outcomes for mothers and children. The services are free and include regular check-ups, prenatal classes, and safe delivery choices, ensuring complete medical attention throughout the entire pregnancy.

8. Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Lagos

Although not exactly hospitals, Lagos State boasts a network of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) that offer the required free antenatal care services. These facilities are often located close to residential areas, making them available to more people.

The free Antenatal Care Services:

PHCs play an important role as they offer primary healthcare services and serve as the first point of contact for many pregnant women. They regularly work with bigger hospitals to ensure continuity of care.

Things to consider before choosing Hospitals Offering Free Antenatal Care

1. Services Availability: The number of free prenatal care appointments that are available can change depending on things like government rules, hospital capacity, and the number of new patients. Before going to the hospital, it's best to call ahead to make sure that free services are available.

2. Quality of Care: These hospitals serve people for free, but the care they give may not be very good. Reading reviews and comments from other patients is a good way to get an idea for how everything works.

Support groups, prenatal sessions, and nutrition guidance are some of the extra services that some hospitals may offer. When picking a hospital, think about these things.

Benefits of the Free Antenatal Care Programme

Free prenatal care and birth services have been added to public hospitals in Lagos State as an effort to make healthcare more accessible. The state wants to lower the death rates of mothers and babies by making it easier for people to get basic health care. The project aligns with the bigger goal of getting Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which means that all residents can get the medical care they need without having to worry about money.

1. Better Health Outcomes

The availability of free prenatal care is expected to improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Regular antenatal examinations assist medical professionals in assessing the mother's and foetus' health, recognising and treating potential problems early on, and providing vital health education. This full care ensures safer pregnancies and births, contributing to lower maternal and infant mortality rates in lagos state.

2. Economic Relief

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directive is a response to the financial challenges faced by Lagos residents, especially due to the removal of fuel subsidies. By offering free antenatal services, the state government provides important financial relief to families, allowing them to put their money to other important needs. This intervention is particularly beneficial for families with low incomes who might struggle to afford good healthcare

The community’s response to this effort has been very positive. Beneficiaries of the free services showed their gratitude, showing the excellent care they got from healthcare professionals. Stories from new mothers who delivered at these hospitals confirm the initiative’s success in offering not just free, but also excellent healthcare.

The Lagos State Government’s plan to provide free antenatal and child birth services in public hospitals across the state is a commendable effort to support the health of mothers and children. By easing the financial burden on women who are pregnant, the state ensures that more families can access important medical care. This effort not only improves health outcomes but also strengthens the general well-being of the society. As Lagos continues to lead by example, it is hoped that other states will take similar measures to promote mother's health across Nigeria.

By knowing the services provided by these public hospitals, pregnant women in Lagos can make good decisions about where to receive antenatal care. It is important to choose hospitals with a good rating, qualified staff, and adequate facilities for a safe and healthy childbirth.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Antenatal cost in Lagos state

If you have a membership with the Lagos state insurance programme, antenatal is free but normal delivery is N15,000. Other people without the LASHMA insurance plan pay N41,000, and for them, antenatal registration is N25,000, CS cost between N105,000 and N160,000.

How much is antenatal registration in general hospital in lagos state

Antenatal registration in Lagos state cost around 30,000