Few babies born at Bulawayo clinics worry authorities

A drastic drop in number of births  at Bulawayo City Council's clinics has worried authorities to the extent of launching a full scale probe.

The city's health, housing and education committee will carry out investigation this year.

The probe comes after council reduced its maternity fees at Nkulumane, Northern suburbs, Luveve and Pelandaba clinics.

A total of 6 279 births were recorded in 2014, but the figures dropped to 4 908 last year.

"Deliveries in city clinics continued to decrease, a trend that would be monitored and investigated as necessary," the committee noted.

Council spokesperson, Nesisa Mpofu said the probe would be carried out this year.

"The investigation will entail a study, probably an analysis of the data and possibly an operations research would ensue. We hope to do this research this year," she said.

Mpofu said antenatal fees were $30 and the charge covers the expected four antenatal attendances, as well as blood tests and post-natal visits up to six weeks post-delivery.

The fees are payable in monthly instalments, she said.

According to figures provided, in 2015 Nkulumane clinic had 1 229 births of which 47 were babies born before arrival at clinics.

In 2014, the clinic recorded 1 416 births.

The decline was also noted at Pelandaba Clinic with 1 585 births last year compared to 2 200 in 2014.

Luveve had 1 218 births in 2015 down from 1 434 in 2014, while northern suburbs births dropped from 1 229 in 2014 to 876 last year.