Femi Falana Calls for Universal Free Medical Care for Pregnant Women in Nigeria
Omoyeni Olabode
Femi Falana, Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), has urged the Nigerian Federal Government to extend free medical services to all pregnant women across the nation. The call reflects growing concern over persistently high maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria.
Falana pointed to the existing free caesarean-section initiative, introduced in November last year by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) began rolling out this service in over 100 hospitals earlier this year under its Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) programme.
Falana emphasised that, while the initiative is sincere and laudable, it remains insufficient. To truly cut maternal and newborn death rates, he insists, the government must expand these services to reach indigent and vulnerable pregnant women nationwide.
His advocacy adds momentum to broader policy debates, such as recent resolutions by the House of Representatives calling for free treatment for pregnant women in public health facilities.
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