The high cost of healthcare services and pharmaceutical drugs has led to a resurgence of interest in traditional ante-natal care among pregnant women in Nigeria. In the past, herbal remedies were commonly used for various health issues, including pregnancy, offering affordable and accessible alternatives to modern healthcare.
However, with the advent of modernization, pharmaceutical drugs became more readily available and healthcare services became more accessible. Pregnant women could easily access hospitals and healthcare centers for ante-natal care and delivery at relatively affordable prices, ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 for quality services.
In recent times, the economic landscape has shifted, and the cost of drugs and healthcare services has skyrocketed. This financial burden has forced many pregnant women to seek alternatives, leading to a resurgence of interest in herbal ante-natal care.
Mrs. Anirat Hassan, a food vendor, shared her experience of opting for herbal ante-natal services due to financial constraints. She highlighted the stark contrast in costs between traditional and modern healthcare, with herbal services being significantly cheaper.
Similarly, Mrs. Mercy Folorunsho recounted her decision to forego hospital ante-natal care due to the high costs and the stressful conditions in government hospitals. Despite her preference for modern healthcare, financial constraints led her to seek herbal alternatives, albeit with tragic consequences.
The escalating costs of hospital services and pharmaceutical drugs have placed a heavy burden on families, with some opting for herbal care as a cost-saving measure. Mrs. Adeolu Folawe’s experience of exorbitant hospital bills and inflated drug prices further underscores the financial strain faced by many.
Matron Eghogo Marvis shed light on the factors contributing to the rise in healthcare costs, citing increased import bills for pharmaceutical companies and the general inflationary pressures in the country. She emphasized the importance of visiting hospitals for ante-natal care, especially for first-time mothers, despite the financial challenges.
Investigations revealed the significant price hikes in pharmaceutical drugs, with analgesics, multivitamins, malaria prevention drugs, and typhoid medications witnessing substantial increases in prices.
As pregnant women grapple with the financial burden of healthcare, there is a pressing need for interventions to make modern healthcare services more affordable and accessible. Addressing the root causes of rising healthcare costs and exploring ways to improve healthcare financing mechanisms are crucial steps towards ensuring that every pregnant woman receives the quality care they deserve.
