The Federal Government of Nigerian on Thursday announced that Cesarean Sections will now be provided free of charge to women in need.
The policy is part of the Government’s efforts to reduce the country’s maternal mortality rate.
This was contained in a statement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate.
The Minister made the disclosure at an ongoing three-day Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja.
He noted that the initiative is an ambitious commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality across Nigeria.
Confirming the announcement, a tweet from the official X handle of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare read: “In a powerful move, Coordinating Minister @muhammadpate just announced that Cesarean Sections for all Nigerian women who need them will now be FREE!”
According to the post, Pate noted that no woman should lose her life simply because she cannot afford a Cesarean -section.
He 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 per cent of maternal deaths.
“By focusing resources on these high-burden areas, MAMII will address the greatest areas of need. The NHIA, 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.”
The Minister added that community health workers play a crucial role in this mission, in line with the President’s initiative to onboard 120,000 additional health workers to support primary care across Nigeria.
According to him, 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 has 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,” he added.
The Minister emphasized that this announcement would not have been possible without the critical support of development partners, whose resources, expertise, and alignment with Nigeria’s health priorities have been instrumental.
“Their commitment exemplifies a shared dedication to health equity and the well-being of every Nigerian. We also call on all stakeholders—state governors, healthcare leaders, community members, and health workers—to actively support and drive the success of this initiative.
“The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative represents an immediate, determined response to Nigeria’s maternal and newborn health challenges. Through demand generation, expanded primary and emergency care, and the removal of financial barriers, we are advancing a healthcare system that is truly accessible, affordable, and effective for all Nigerians.
“Together, we are building a future where no mother or child is left behind in accessing the quality, affordable care they deserve,” he said.
source: Daily Post
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U
