Ogun probes PHCs demanding fuel from pregnant women after PUNCH Healthwise report

Janet Ogundepo

The Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunsola, has summoned all relevant stakeholders in three Primary Healthcare Centres in the LG after an investigative report by PUNCH Healthwise uncovered the demand for fuel from pregnant women by healthcare workers.

Ogunsola, in a statement signed by the Director of Information in the LG, Segun Soneye, and sent to PUNCH Healthwise, said the stakeholders were summoned yesterday evening.

He disclosed that the LG had begun an investigation into the matter.

PUNCH Healthwise report exposed the erratic power supply in the state’s PHCs and how pregnant women, on their delivery days, were compelled to bring five litres of fuel each or the monetary equivalent to power the facilities’ power generating sets.

The report titled, “Inside Ogun PHCs where health workers demand fuel from pregnant women before delivery,” and published on Sunday, February 9, 2025, further revealed the lack of doctors at most of the facilities and the request for candles and matches in other PHCs.

In response to the report, Ogunsola said, “The attention of the Obafemi Owode Local Government has been drawn to an allegation published by PUNCH Healthwise, claiming that healthcare officials at Magboro, Ibafo, and Mowe Health Centres demanded fuel or its monetary equivalent from expectant mothers before delivery.

“In response, the Local Government has summoned all relevant stakeholders, including some pregnant women registered at the affected health centres, for a thorough investigation and appropriate action on the matter.”

The chairman further assured residents of quality healthcare services and promised the “public of a transparent and unbiased investigation.”

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, had in the report condemned the demand for fuel from pregnant women by the health workers.
Coker told PUNCH Healthwise, when contacted, that there was no basis for the request for fuel or candles for delivery.

She said the PHCs were equipped with solar panels to provide light to the maternity wards and other areas.

She stated, “There is no reason any woman should be asked to pay for fuel. If any woman is asked to pay for fuel, they should write to the PHC board or call me to let me know that they are being charged money for fuel or candles,”

Coker, an Obstetrician Gynaecologist with 32 years of experience, further expressed dismay at the situation, emphasising her commitment to safe delivery for women under quality conditions.

She stressed that the state had renovated about 100 PHCs and had solar panels and lights installed.

“When we renovate, we put a clean water supply, usually a borehole. We put solar to make sure that no woman comes in and doesn’t have power. At the moment, His Excellency is renovating 75 PHCs and we are putting solar there”, Coker said.

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