The Federal Government has launched a life-changing initiative, providing free Caesarean sections to Nigerian women in need, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or vulnerable populations.
A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure that involves delivering a baby through incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus, often necessary for women with complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced this in Abuja at the ongoing three-day Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review on Thursday.
The announcement came on the heels of the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative.
The initiative, according to the government, is in furtherance of its commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality across Nigeria.
The Joint Annual Health Review aims to conduct a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s healthcare system, identifying challenges and implementing impactful solutions to ease both the physical and financial burdens on our people.
Confirming this on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Pate said: “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”
The tweet reads: “In a powerful move, Coordinating Minister @muhammadpate just announced that caesarean sections for all Nigerian women who need them will now be FREE!”
The minister added that the initiative would provide free caesarean sections for eligible poor and vulnerable women, available through public and private facilities empowered by the National Health Insurance Authority.
Pate said: “By removing financial barriers to this life-saving procedure, we ensure that no woman in need is denied critical care due to cost.
“Maternal mortality remains unacceptably high, with 172 local governments contributing to over 50 percent of maternal deaths.
“By focusing resources on these high-burden areas, MAMII (Maternal Mortality-Reduction Innovation and Initiatives) will address the greatest areas of need.
“The NHIA (National Health Insurance Authority), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and State Health Insurance Agencies, will manage the reimbursement process, ensuring that providers across both sectors can deliver these essential services sustainably.
“Community health workers play a crucial role in this mission, in line with Mr. President’s initiative to onboard 120,000 additional health workers to support primary care across Nigeria.
“These workers are essential in generating demand for maternal care services within communities, educating families on the importance of antenatal care, and ensuring that mothers are informed about available services.
“In rural and underserved areas, where accessing healthcare facilities remains a challenge, community health workers act as vital links between families and the healthcare system, bringing lifesaving information and support to their doorsteps.
“In these same areas, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System @Fmohnigeria have been revitalized to provide timely transport for emergencies, bridging a key gap in both maternal and newborn care by bringing emergency services closer to those who need them most.”
The minister expressed gratitude, stating that development partners’ crucial support, whose resources and expertise align with Nigeria’s key health priorities, made the free Caesarean section initiative possible.
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