The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has introduced a new initiative that offers free health insurance and cesarean sections for all pregnant women residing in the area. This announcement was made on Monday by the Mandate Secretary for Health in the FCT Administration, Adedolapo Fasewa, during the celebration of the 2025 World Health Day at the Gwarimpa District Hospital in Abuja.
Fasewa emphasized that the free health insurance scheme would be available to all pregnant women, but to qualify for the free cesarean section, they must first register with the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). She also noted that the scheme would cover infant care after delivery, ensuring that both mothers and their newborns receive the care they need during and after childbirth.
Fasewa took the opportunity to highlight the urgent issue of maternal mortality in Nigeria. She revealed that the country has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the sub-Saharan region, a statistic that is deeply concerning. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maternal mortality refers to the death of women during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, usually due to complications that arise during this time. Fasewa explained that the present administration is taking serious steps to reduce maternal deaths and ensure that more women survive childbirth.
“The issue of maternal mortality is something that this administration is deeply concerned about. We are taking proactive steps to reduce it, and this health insurance scheme for pregnant women is part of that initiative,” Fasewa said.
By providing free cesarean sections and health insurance, the FCT administration aims to address one of the key factors contributing to maternal deaths—lack of access to quality medical care. Cesarean sections, a common medical procedure used when a natural birth is not possible, can be life-saving for mothers and babies. However, the cost of the procedure in private hospitals can be prohibitively expensive for many women in Nigeria. This new initiative is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on pregnant women and ensure they receive the necessary medical attention during childbirth.
While the FCT administration has made this significant move to improve maternal health, Fasewa also emphasized that reducing maternal mortality is not solely the responsibility of the government. She called for a collaborative effort from all sectors of society, including healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and the general public, to work together to combat the issue.
“Fighting maternal mortality is not just the job of the federal government. It requires the involvement of everyone—health workers, women’s groups, families, and the entire community. It’s about ensuring that women have access to the right care and support during pregnancy and childbirth,” she said.
Fasewa’s statement reflects the broader need for systemic change in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health services. With Nigeria’s large population and diverse socio-economic challenges, access to healthcare remains a significant barrier for many women, especially those in rural and underserved areas. The introduction of the free health insurance scheme and cesarean section is a step in the right direction, but it will require sustained efforts to ensure that all pregnant women, regardless of their background or financial situation, have access to the necessary healthcare.
In addition to the free caesarean section, the FCT health insurance scheme will also cover infant care following delivery. This is another important step in addressing the high rate of infant mortality in Nigeria. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria also has one of the highest rates of infant mortality globally, with many children dying within their first year of life due to preventable causes such as malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare, and poor sanitation.
The new initiative by the FCT administration aims to provide comprehensive care to both mothers and their infants, ensuring that both receive the medical attention needed for a healthy start in life. This is particularly important given that Nigeria’s healthcare system has been under pressure in recent years, with many hospitals and clinics struggling to meet the needs of the population.
By including infant care as part of the health insurance scheme, the FCT administration is addressing one of the root causes of infant mortality—lack of access to proper healthcare for newborns. This initiative will help ensure that infants receive necessary vaccinations, screenings, and treatment for common conditions such as infections and birth defects.
Fasewa encouraged all pregnant women in the FCT to take advantage of the free health insurance scheme and register with the FHIS. She explained that this registration is essential for pregnant women to benefit from the free cesarean section and other healthcare services. The scheme will provide pregnant women with access to regular prenatal care, delivery services, and postnatal care for both the mother and infant.
“All pregnant women in the FCT are encouraged to register for the health insurance scheme. This is a great opportunity to access free medical care, which will ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery,” Fasewa said.
Registration for the health insurance scheme will be facilitated through various health facilities across the FCT, making it easier for women to sign up and begin receiving care. This approach aims to ensure that no pregnant woman is left behind, regardless of her financial situation or access to healthcare services.
The introduction of the free health insurance scheme and cesarean section for pregnant women in the FCT marks an important milestone in the fight against maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria. It reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations, especially women and children. By addressing the financial barriers to accessing quality medical care, the FCT administration is taking meaningful steps to save lives and improve maternal health outcomes in the region.
However, while this initiative is a positive development, it also underscores the need for continued investments in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Maternal and infant health remain significant challenges in the country, and more needs to be done to ensure that all women, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have access to the care they need.
As the FCT health insurance scheme begins, there is hope that this model will be expanded to other regions of the country, leading to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants across Nigeria. The success of the scheme will depend not only on its implementation but also on ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure, train healthcare professionals, and ensure that all citizens can benefit from affordable and accessible healthcare.
