Unraveling the hidden expenses of free delivery services: a cross-sectional analysis of the public health facilities of the Harari Region, Ethiopia

This study highlights the considerable out-of-pockets payments that families incur when delivering in public health facilities. Despite the policy of providing delivery services free of charge in public facilities, significant out-of-pocket costs were incurred by women, with direct non-medical expenses accounting for a substantial portion of the total cost, underscoring the need for evidence-based policies to address this challenge. Ensuring the financial risk protection of women is a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage.