The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate has announced free Cesarean Sections for Nigerian women who need but could not afford them.
This is according to a post on the official X handle of the Federal Ministry Of Health and Social Welfare on Thursday.
The post read:
“In a powerful move, Coordinating Minister @muhammadpate just announced that Cesarean Sections for all Nigerian women who need them will now be FREE!
“He emphasized, ‘No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section’.
This came as Prof. Pate launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), a groundbreaking effort by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aimed at tackling Nigeria’s critical maternal and neonatal mortality rates—among the highest globally. Through #MAMII, access to affordable, quality healthcare for mothers and newborns will be prioritized, focusing on primary health services and community involvement”.
Corroborating the announcement, Pate on his official X handle also wrote:
“In line with HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s @officialABAT Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (#NHSRII), we are pleased to announce on Day 2 of the JAR the launch of the transformative ‘𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 (𝐌𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐈)’—an ambitious commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality across Nigeria”.
He explained that, the aim of the Joint Annual Health Review (#JAR) was to conduct a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s healthcare system, identifying challenges and implementing impactful solutions to ease both the physical and financial burdens on our people.
The Minister added that, a pivotal feature of 𝐌𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐈 was the provision of free cesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women who meet eligibility criteria, covering services provided through both public and private facilities empaneled by the National Health Insurance Authority (@NHIAnigeria).
“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% 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 (@NphcdaNG) and State Health Insurance Agencies (SHIAs), will manage the reimbursement process, ensuring that providers across both sectors can deliver these essential services sustainably”, he said.
Pate continued, “Community health workers play a crucial role in this mission, in line with Mr. President’s initiative to onboard 120,000 additional health workers to support primary care across Nigeria.
“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”.
He informed that, in rural and underserved areas, where accessing healthcare facilities remained a challenge, community health workers act as vital links between families and the healthcare system, bringing lifesaving information and support to their doorsteps.
The minster disclosed that, “in these same areas, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (#NEMSAS) @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.
“Our achievements and today’s announcement would not have been possible without the vital support of our 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”.
He said 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”, Pate stated.
