In a landmark move to reduce maternal mortality, the Nigerian government has approved the provision of free Cesarean Sections (C-sections) for women in need. The announcement was made on Thursday by Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during the ongoing Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja.
This initiative, aimed at tackling the country’s high maternal and newborn mortality rates, is part of the government’s broader commitment to improving healthcare access for women.
“This is a bold and ambitious step in our efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria,” Pate said. “No woman should lose her life simply because she cannot afford a C-section.”
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the move through its official social media account, which read: “In a powerful move, Coordinating Minister @muhammadpate just announced that Cesarean Sections for all Nigerian women who need them will now be FREE!”
The policy ensures that all women, regardless of their financial status, will have access to this critical life-saving surgery. This is expected to make a significant impact, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare is often limited.
