In a significant health policy shift, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that all Nigerian women will now have access to free Cesarean sections (C-sections) across the country. This new policy aims to reduce maternal mortality rates and ease the financial burden on families, particularly those in underserved areas. The Health Ministry stressed that this initiative is part of a broader effort to improve maternal health services and ensure that women receive safe and high-quality care during childbirth.
The announcement has been met with widespread public support, as access to affordable and timely C-sections has long been a challenge for many women in Nigeria. Experts suggest that making C-sections free could have a transformative effect, particularly for women in rural and low-income communities who may struggle with the high costs of surgical birth. By eliminating these expenses, the government hopes to address disparities in healthcare and promote safer childbirth experiences across the country.
This free C-section initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing healthcare reforms, including expanding access to prenatal and postnatal care. As part of the new policy, healthcare facilities nationwide will receive additional resources to support this expansion, including training for medical staff and enhanced surgical facilities. The Ministry expressed its commitment to continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the program’s success and maintain quality standards
