By Gabriella Chinwendu Ayigbo
On Thursday, 7th November 2024, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed at the Nigerian Health Sector-Wide Joint Yearly Review in the capital city, Abuja, an initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality. During the three-day meeting, he announced that “free-of-charge Caesarean sections should be conducted for mothers who lack financial support.”
According to him, this initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality across Nigeria. He stated, “Pregnant women shouldn’t die because they don’t have money for a C-section.”
The objective of the joint yearly health review is to conduct an in-depth assessment of Nigeria’s healthcare system, identify challenges, and implement impactful solutions to ease the burden on Nigerians.
On his X handle, Pate highlighted that a pivotal feature of the initiative is the provision of insurance coverage. He explained, “By eliminating financial barriers to this life-saving procedure, we ensure that no woman in need is denied critical care due to lack of funds.” He noted that maternal deaths remain at a high level, with 172 local governments contributing to over 50% of the maternal mortality rate.
The National Health Insurance Authority (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 public and private sectors can sustainably deliver these vital services.
He further emphasised that community health workers play a crucial role in this mission, in line with the President’s initiative to onboard 120,000 health workers to support primary care across Nigeria.
The Minister stated that health workers are essential in raising awareness of maternal care services within communities, educating families on the importance of antenatal care, and ensuring mothers know about available services. In rural areas, where healthcare services are often limited, health workers serve as a vital link between families and the healthcare system, bringing essential information to their doorsteps. “Together, we shall create a future where no mother or child is deprived of the basic, affordable care and attention they need.”
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