By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Delta State government has expressed concern over the growing number of pregnant women from neighboring states who are flocking to Delta to access its free maternal healthcare services.
Authorities say the influx is putting pressure on the state’s health system and distorting official records on maternal care.
Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, raised the alarm during a stakeholders’ sensitization training in Asaba, where he emphasized the need for stricter residency verification.
“Delta is the only state in the country where a pregnant woman can walk into a hospital and receive comprehensive care, from antenatal to delivery, without paying a kobo.
Akpoveta also said, “Because of this, people now see Delta as a pilgrimage site for childbirth, coming all the way from Port Harcourt, Enugu, and other states. This is not sustainable.”
He stressed that while the state remains committed to providing free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, only residents—whether indigenes or non-indigenes—will be eligible.
“For you to benefit, you must prove that you are a resident of Delta State. We are spending heavily on this program, and it is meant for those who genuinely live here,” he stated.
Akpoveta revealed that over 2.5 million people have been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, including beneficiaries of the Equity Health Plan.
He also announced new measures to enhance service delivery, such as deploying monitoring agents in accredited hospitals to ensure prescribed medications are properly dispensed.
The state government’s stance signals a push for tighter enforcement of healthcare policies to prevent abuse while maintaining its commitment to accessible and quality maternal care for genuine residents.