Bauchi Speaker Moves to Prohibit Unsafe Childbirth, Blood Transfusion

 

The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Y. Suleiman, has introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting unsafe childbirth practices and unregulated blood transfusion across the state.

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mukhtar Garba Kobi, the lawmaker representing Ningi Central Constituency said the proposed legislation seeks to address the rising cases of maternal and perinatal deaths linked to unskilled health practices.

The bill followed a recent workshop held in Jos for Bauchi lawmakers, which focused on key health concerns, including childbirth. Suleiman expressed worry over the high rate of home deliveries, noting that seven out of ten births in the state occur without professional medical assistance, exposing mothers and newborns to serious risks. He added that unsafe blood transfusion practices have also led to avoidable deaths.

He commended the Bauchi State Ministry of Health for sealing a private facility in Durum village over serious breaches of medical standards, warning that such practices could lead to the spread of infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

The Speaker stressed that safe childbirth and blood transfusion require trained professionals and appropriate medical equipment, which are often unavailable in homes and unregistered clinics.

He explained that the bill, if passed into law, would make it an offence to prevent pregnant women from accessing registered health facilities, prohibit blood transfusions outside approved centres, and enforce the closure of illegal clinics.

Suleiman also commended Bala Mohammed for efforts to strengthen the health sector, particularly through the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres.

The bill has passed its first and second readings and has been referred to the House Committee on Health for further legislative action, according to the statement issued on April 9, 2026.