By Amina Ahmed
The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, has introduced a bill to curb unsafe childbirth practices and unregulated blood transfusions in the state.
The bill, which scaled second reading during plenary in Bauchi, received unanimous support from lawmakers, signalling strong legislative backing for measures aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes statewide.
Suleiman, representing Ningi Constituency, said the proposed legislation targeted rising maternal and perinatal deaths linked to unsafe delivery practices, especially those occurring outside recognised healthcare facilities without skilled medical supervision.
Leading debate, he cited findings from the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Review by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, highlighting widespread home births without qualified healthcare providers present.
He said seven out of every ten births in the state occured at home without skilled supervision, increasing risks of complications, infections, and preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
Suleiman disclosed that between July and December 2022, at least 872 maternal and perinatal deaths were recorded in 123 health facilities, including 56 maternal and 816 neonatal fatalities.
He emphasised the situation had worsened in recent years, with increasing mortality rates reported in facilities including Toro General Hospital and several urban maternity centres across the state.
The speaker said the bill sought to prohibit unregistered home deliveries and imposed penalties on offenders, aiming to safeguard the lives of mothers and newborns through improved compliance with health regulations.
He also expressed concern over unsafe blood transfusions conducted in unlicensed facilities and private homes, often without proper screening processes, equipment, or qualified medical personnel to ensure patient safety.
Suleiman warned that such practices exposed patients to severe health risks, including infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, which could result in long-term complications or death.
He explained the bill would prohibit blood transfusions outside registered facilities, empowered authorities to shut illegal clinics, and enforced sanctions against individuals or organisations violating established medical standards.
The proposed legislation also sought to protect pregnant women by criminalising attempts by individuals, including relatives, who prevented them from accessing appropriate and timely medical care when necessary.
Suleiman commended the Bauchi State Government under Gov. Bala Mohammed for efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, stressing the need for legal backing to address persistent gaps.
Contributing, Mr Saleh Hodi, representing Disina State Constituency, described the bill as a timely intervention capable of reducing harmful traditional practices associated with childbirth and unsafe blood transfusion practices.
Also speaking, Mr Nasiru Ahmed, representing Madara-Chinade, attributed the prevalence of unsafe practices to poverty and ignorance, citing cases of deaths linked to unqualified practitioners within his constituency.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Jamilu Dahiru, representing Bauchi Central Constituency, expressed optimism that the bill would help reduce maternal and neonatal mortality across the state.
Speaking with journalists after plenary, Suleiman said passage of the bill would mark a critical step toward improving public health outcomes and reducing preventable deaths among vulnerable populations in Bauchi.
He emphasised the need for strict implementation and enforcement of the law to ensure full compliance and achieve its intended objectives of safeguarding lives and strengthening healthcare service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill is considered a landmark effort to promote safe childbirth, regulate medical practices, and reduce preventable deaths in Bauchi State.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
