Bauchi State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, in fulfilment of its promise, commenced deliberations on a crucial piece of legislation aimed at addressing the alarming rate of maternal and perinatal deaths in the state
The Lawmakers considered the second reading of a bill seeking to prohibit unsafe childbirth practices and unregulated blood transfusions.
The bill, sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, representing Ningi Constituency, is designed to tackle life-threatening practices contributing to preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
Leading the debate on the floor of the House, the Speaker revealed disturbing findings from the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Review (MPDSR) by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, which revealed that seven out of every ten births in the state occur at home without skilled medical supervision.
According to the report, between July and December 2022 alone, 872 maternal and perinatal deaths were recorded across 123 health facilities, including 56 maternal and 816 neonatal fatalities.
Abubakar Suleiman further noted that the situation has worsened in recent years, citing rising mortality rates in key health facilities such as Toro General Hospital and Urban Maternity Centres.
He stressed that the proposed legislation seeks to outlaw unregistered home deliveries and impose strict penalties to safeguard the lives of women and infants.
The Speaker also raised concerns over unsafe blood transfusion practices carried out in unlicensed facilities and private homes without proper screening or qualified personnel.
He warned that such practices expose patients to severe complications and the risk of contracting blood-borne infections, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
The proposed law, he explained, would prohibit blood transfusions outside registered health facilities, empower authorities to seal illegal clinics, and enforce sanctions against offenders.
It also includes provisions to protect pregnant women by criminalizing any attempt by individuals,including family members to prevent them from accessing proper medical care.
Abubakar Suleiman commended the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, while emphasizing the need for legislative action to complement these initiatives and address persistent gaps in healthcare practices.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Saleh Hodi Jibir praised the sponsor, describing the bill as a timely intervention that, if passed into law, would significantly reduce harmful traditional practices associated with childbirth and unsafe transfusions.
He urged lawmakers to unite in protecting public health.
Hon. Nasiru Ahmed Ala also lauded the Speaker’s commitment to people-oriented legislation, attributing the prevalence of such dangerous practices to poverty and ignorance.
He cited tragic cases within his constituency, including deaths linked to unqualified medical practitioners and unsafe blood transfusions, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory measures.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jamilu Barade, expressed confidence that the bill would serve as a panacea to the persistent challenge of birth-related mortalities in the state.
Speaking to Journalists after plenary, Abubakar Suleiman reaffirmed that enacting the bill into law is a critical step toward safeguarding public health.
He emphasized the role of relevant authorities and health institutions in ensuring strict implementation, enforcement, and prosecution of offenders engaged in unsafe medical practices.
The bill is widely regarded as a landmark legislative effort that, if passed, will promote safe childbirth, regulate medical procedures, and ultimately reduce preventable deaths, thereby advancing healthier living standards across Bauchi State.
