Federal Government, in a move aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women across the country, has announced a landmark initiative that guarantees free cesarean sections and surgeries for women suffering from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for Nigeria, where the health of citizens, particularly women, is placed at the core of governance.
Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, revealed this significant policy during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. The minister explained that the initiative is a direct response to the urgent need to address pregnancy-related complications, which remain a significant cause of death among Nigerian women.
The decision to provide free cesarean sections and related treatments for obstetric complications stems from President Tinubu’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality rates in Nigeria. According to Professor Pate, the President has prioritised the health and safety of Nigerian women as part of his broader plan for the country’s development.
“The President has made it clear that the health and wellbeing of Nigerians is a priority for this administration,”Pate said. “The aim is to ensure that no woman dies because she cannot afford a cesarean section or any other necessary treatment during pregnancy.”
Through this initiative, women facing critical obstetric issues—such as excessive bleeding or pregnancy obstructions—will be able to access emergency treatments without worrying about the financial burden. The government has set up a system where certified health facilities will be reimbursed for the services provided to women in need.
“In empanelled facilities, the Federal Government will cover the costs of emergency obstetric care, including cesarean sections,” Pate explained. “This is part of our commitment to reducing maternal deaths and improving health outcomes for women across Nigeria.”
In addition to the free cesarean sections, the Nigerian government is also addressing another serious issue—vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). VVF is a severe injury caused during childbirth, often resulting in uncontrollable urine leakage. Women suffering from this condition frequently face stigma and social isolation, as well as difficulty accessing necessary treatments due to the high costs involved.
Professor Pate highlighted that VVF affects approximately 10,000 women every year in Nigeria. Many of these women are young and have been discouraged by their families due to the perceived shame associated with the condition. Without access to affordable healthcare, many of these women suffer in silence.
“VVF is a complication that can arise from difficult or obstructed labour, and it leaves women with severe physical and emotional trauma,” Pate said. “For years, many women have suffered from VVF without access to the treatment they need, but we are now ensuring that anyone who needs a surgical repair for VVF will receive it free of charge.”
The federal government has already repaired the VVF injuries of over 2,000 women, giving them the chance for a better life. Many of these women have expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to regain their health and dignity.
As part of the initiative, the Federal Government has enlisted 154 health facilities across Nigeria to provide free treatment for women with obstetric complications. These facilities have been equipped with high-quality standards, skilled personnel, and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that women receive the best possible care.
Additionally, the government has designated 18 centres across the country specifically for the treatment of VVF. These centres will be equipped to perform the complex surgical repairs required for women suffering from this debilitating condition.
“We have made sure that these health facilities have the right equipment and trained staff to provide high-quality care, “Pate said. “By enlisting 154 hospitals for obstetric care and 18 for VVF treatment, we are creating a national network to ensure that no woman is left behind when it comes to emergency pregnancy care.”
The initiative marks a significant step forward for the Nigerian healthcare system, where women’s health, particularly maternal health, has often been sidelined due to limited resources and poor healthcare infrastructure. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with many women dying due to preventable pregnancy complications.
