3.4.2. Delayed Booking, Incomplete Antenatal Follow-Up and Poor Obstetric Outcomes

Most stakeholders explained that due to healthcare costs, non-citizens tend to present late for booking and default follow-up at antenatal clinics. Doctors interviewed observed that late presentations could result in poor obstetric outcomes and avoidable complications. These complications would inevitably incur additional financial expense, as more advanced treatment may be necessary.

*"For migrants, when they present, it is already 30 weeks? 32 weeks? I even had one patient last week [who] presented at 36 weeks! So, that was the first time ever that I saw her. So, whatever that has happened, has happened! It is irreversible. For example, that is something we called: IUGR, which is 'Intrauterine growth restriction'. So, when that already occurs, nothing can be done! So, the baby may be born–with low birth weight from premature delivery. Then they will have a lot of complications! Like sepsis and all! So, all of these actually contribute to more financial burden to the patients! Because they will require a NIC [neonatal intensive care] admission for a long time!" MD-13 PUBLIC CLINIC*
