Insight:How medical insurance affects safe motherhood

Have you ever thought of how certain women deep down in rural areas are dying because they cannot afford medical insurance? They would rather opt for risky birthing methods or even visit untrained traditional birth attendants. Some even risk giving birth at home in the absence of medical supplies and professional help. In this case, there are high chances of either losing the mother, baby or even both. It can be argued and agreed that some women are just careless and do not care to acquire medical insurance in time. However, there are those who cannot afford medical insurance. Truth is, no woman wants to be retained in hospital for unpaid bills after delivery. As a result most poor women are forced to go for the cheapest way of delivery they can find without thinking of the consequences. But if a woman gets that fee and pays up medical insurance, giving her advantages right from antenatal care to the time of delivery, it will be so worth the money they spent to get the insurance. Medical insurance at the end of the day is beneficial because; It protects a mother’s financial future Having medical insurance costs money, yes, but not having it may cost tons more. There are so many unpredictable medical needs when it comes to pregnancies, which could leave one with high medical bills if not insured. It is cheaper in the sense that a pregnant woman has half or even three quarters of the expenses covered by the government. She therefore saves something on every service including guidance, counseling, and consultation until delivery. It reduces death risks Having medical insurance reduces death risks. Here we are talking about both the mother and the child. With medical insurance, maternal mortality rates are cut down because mothers deliver in safe hands since it is less expensive. You get quality service The best services can be offered to a pregnant woman. Any woman, whether from a rural or urban area, who is covered by medical insurance, can afford to go for antenatal care and deliver at a hospital or Health Care Centre with good facilities and at a low, stands a better chance to save her life and that of her unborn child. Because she has medical insurance, she gets all the quality service she requires. Hence, there is no need to opt for traditional birthing in the absence of professional midwives because the consequences are dire. With medical insurance coverage, pregnant mothers are more in charge of their birthing and health care needs. jacqueuwera@yahoo.com