Tanzania, April 28 -- Dar es Salaam. Expectant mothers in Tanzania continue to face charges for medical services despite the National Health Policy of 2007 clearly stipulating that maternal healthcare should be provided free of charge.

The situation has renewed debate among health experts, policymakers and stakeholders over the gap between policy and implementation, with calls growing for the policy to be anchored in law to ensure compliance across all health facilities.

Reports from different regions indicate that expectant mothers are being asked to pay between Sh15,000 and Sh30,000 for services at some facilities, while others are required to bring basic medical supplies such as cotton wool, gloves, syringes, disinfectants and delive...