The Nigerian government has announced that caesarean sections will now be provided free of charge to women in need, as part of its efforts to reduce the country's maternal mortality rate.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, made this known at the launch of the “ ” in Abuja on Thursday.
The initiative was launched on the second day of a three-day joint annual review of the entire Nigerian healthcare sector in Abuja.
Pate, a professor, said the initiative is an ambitious commitment to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria.
A tweet from Official “
According to the publication, Pate noted that no woman should lose her life simply because she cannot afford a C-section.
In his X, the minister noted that a key aspect of the initiative is the provision of free caesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women who meet the eligibility criteria.
Article page with financial support promotion
He said this coverage extends to services offered in public and private establishments accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
“By removing financial barriers to this life-saving procedure, we ensure that no woman in need is denied critical care due to cost,” she said.
Caesarean section
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus, usually when doctors determine it is safer for the mother, the baby, or both.
Despite its necessity in many cases, the high cost of a caesarean section in Nigeria has long been a major barrier preventing many women from accessing this critical care during childbirth.
The cost of a caesarean section in some private hospitals in Nigeria ranges between N500,000 and N1,000,000, an amount that is often out of reach for women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Meanwhile, a caesarean section in state hospitals also costs around N200,000.
This financial burden not only endangers the health of mothers and babies, but also perpetuates inequality in access to maternal health care services.
Address maternal mortality
The coordinating minister said maternal mortality remains unacceptably high, with 172 LGAs accounting for more than 50 per cent of maternal deaths in the country.
He explained that by focusing resources on these high-burden areas, the new initiative will address the areas of greatest need.
Pate noted that 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 in both sectors can sustainably deliver these essential services.
READ ALSO: 'Why single women over 35 should get pregnant' – Actress Binta Ayo Mogaji
Pate added that community health workers play a vital role in generating demand for maternal care services within communities, educating families about the importance of prenatal care and ensuring mothers are informed about available services. .
He said: “This initiative represents an immediate and determined response to Nigeria’s maternal and neonatal health challenges.
“Through demand generation, expanding primary and emergency care and removing financial barriers, we are driving a healthcare system that is truly accessible, affordable and effective for all Nigerians.”
He added that the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System have been revitalized to ensure timely transportation in the event of an emergency, closing a critical gap in maternal and neonatal care.