By Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, on Wednesday introduced a bill aimed at curbing unsafe childbirth practices and reducing the rising cases of maternal and neonatal deaths in the state.
The proposed legislation, which scaled second reading during plenary, received unanimous support from lawmakers. It seeks to prohibit unregistered home deliveries and regulate blood transfusion practices across the state.
Leading the debate, Suleiman said the bill was informed by alarming data from the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Review (MPDSR) conducted by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board.
According to the report, seven out of every 10 births in Bauchi occur at home without skilled medical supervision, a trend linked to high mortality rates.
He disclosed that between July and December 2022, no fewer than 872 maternal and perinatal deaths were recorded in 123 health facilities, including 56 maternal and 816 neonatal fatalities.
The Speaker noted that the situation has worsened in recent years, with increasing mortality cases reported in major facilities such as Toro General Hospital and urban maternity centres.
He explained that the bill seeks to outlaw unsafe delivery practices, impose penalties on offenders, and protect pregnant women from being denied access to proper healthcare.
The legislation also proposes a ban on blood transfusions outside licensed health facilities, warning that such practices expose patients to infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Suleiman said the bill would empower relevant authorities to shut down illegal clinics and prosecute individuals engaged in unsafe medical practices.
He commended the state government’s efforts in strengthening primary healthcare but stressed the need for legislative backing to address persistent gaps.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate described the bill as timely, noting that it would significantly reduce harmful traditional practices and improve health outcomes.
If passed into law, the legislation is expected to promote safe childbirth, regulate medical procedures and reduce preventable deaths across Bauchi State. NNL.
