In a bold and life-saving move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that Cesarean Sections (C-sections) will now be provided free of charge for vulnerable women in need of the procedure.
The groundbreaking announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during the ongoing three-day Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja.
“No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section,” Prof. Pate declared, underscoring the critical need to address the nation’s high maternal mortality rate.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to significantly reduce maternal and newborn mortality across the country. The “Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative,” which was officially launched during the event, aims to target the most vulnerable women, particularly those in underserved regions.
The announcement was highlighted on the official Twitter handle of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with a tweet stating: “In a powerful move, Coordinating Minister @muhammadpate just announced that Cesarean Sections for all Nigerian women who need them will now be FREE!”
This development comes at a time when maternal health remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, a country that struggles with some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Prof. Pate acknowledged that the situation is particularly dire in 172 local government areas, which account for over 50% of maternal deaths in the country.
By making C-sections free, the government hopes to address a crucial barrier to healthcare access for many women who otherwise cannot afford the procedure. This new policy is expected to save countless lives, especially among the poor and vulnerable populations who often face financial obstacles in accessing quality maternal care.
The free C-section services will be available in both public and private healthcare facilities accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). This move ensures that women in both urban and rural areas have access to the procedure, regardless of their economic background.
Prof. Pate further explained in a post on his personal Twitter handle that the program would primarily benefit women who meet specific eligibility criteria, focusing on those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He emphasized that this initiative would be administered through collaboration with various bodies, including the NHIA, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and State Health Insurance Agencies.
“The NHIA, in collaboration with other agencies, will ensure that healthcare providers can sustainably deliver these essential services, both in the public and private sectors,” he said.
The minister’s remarks also included a call for a greater community focus on maternal healthcare. He highlighted the pivotal role that community health workers will play in the success of the initiative. These workers will not only help increase demand for maternal care services but will also educate families on the importance of antenatal care and make sure that mothers are aware of the available healthcare options.
This initiative aligns with the broader health vision of President Bola Tinubu, who has also announced plans to onboard an additional 120,000 health workers to strengthen primary care services across the country. The additional health workers will work directly with local communities, ensuring that more women are reached with vital health information and support.
While the announcement was met with widespread approval from various stakeholders, Prof. Pate took the time to acknowledge the invaluable support from development partners. Their resources, expertise, and alignment with Nigeria’s health priorities have been essential in making the free C-section initiative a reality.
The minister called on all stakeholders to actively support the initiative. He urged state governors, healthcare leaders, community members, and health workers to come together to ensure that the initiative succeeds and reaches those most in need.
“This is not just a government program. It is a collective effort, and we need all hands on deck to make sure that no woman dies due to the inability to afford a life-saving procedure,” Pate stated.
