The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State, Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma, has pledged to introduce a Free Safe Delivery Programme aimed at reducing the financial burden of childbirth on pregnant women across the state if elected governor in 2027.
The proposal is contained in his healthcare plan, which places maternal and child health at the centre of his administration’s priorities. The programme is designed to provide essential maternal-care supplies at government-owned health facilities, ensuring that expectant mothers are not prevented from receiving appropriate care because they cannot afford basic delivery materials.
According to the plan, the initiative is based on the belief that the health and wellbeing of mothers and children are critical to the overall development and prosperity of Enugu State. It seeks to promote safer childbirth while improving access to essential healthcare services for families across the state.
Ocho’s healthcare agenda also includes plans to strengthen Primary Healthcare Centres across Enugu, with emphasis on improving the quality and availability of medical services at the grassroots. The proposed reforms are expected to focus on better facilities, improved diagnostic capacity and a stronger healthcare workforce.
The ADC candidate also plans to introduce a Women and Children Health Insurance Programme as part of efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare. The initiative is intended to provide greater financial protection for women and children while reducing the pressure of medical expenses on families.
The proposed healthcare reforms are aimed at addressing some of the challenges that can discourage pregnant women from seeking timely medical attention, particularly in communities where access to quality healthcare and essential maternal services remains limited.
The Free Safe Delivery Programme would focus on government health facilities, where pregnant women could receive essential delivery materials without having to bear the full cost. The proposal is also expected to complement efforts to improve maternal healthcare services and encourage more women to access skilled care during childbirth.
Ocho said the broader objective of his healthcare agenda is to make quality medical services more accessible to families throughout Enugu State. The plan places particular emphasis on mothers and children, who he considers central to building a healthier population and a more productive society.
If implemented, the proposed measures would represent a broader approach to maternal healthcare, combining financial support for childbirth with improvements in primary healthcare, diagnostics, medical personnel and health insurance.
The ADC candidate’s proposal is part of his wider campaign agenda ahead of the 2027 Enugu State governorship election, with healthcare positioned as one of the areas where his administration intends to improve public services and expand access to essential services for residents.
