The federal government has renewed its commitment to addressing obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition affecting thousands of women across Nigeria. At a Steering Committee meeting of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Fistula-Free Programme in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, unveiled plans to expand health insurance coverage and increase the number of treatment centers nationwide. He emphasized the program’s holistic approach, which not only addresses clinical needs but also tackles associated challenges such as transportation and post-treatment follow-ups.
NHIA Director General, Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed that over ₦513 million has been spent on treating 1,629 women since the program’s launch six months ago. The program provides comprehensive care, including feeding, transportation, and health insurance enrollment for beneficiaries. “This problem has always been there, but this is the first time the government is addressing it comprehensively. NHIA has shown that, against all skepticism, Nigeria can work,” Prof. Pate remarked.
The NHIA has partnered with 42 healthcare facilities across the country, with plans to expand to all tertiary and selected secondary healthcare institutions. In addition, the Seamless Obstetric Emergency Management Program (SeaMaC), a sister initiative, has treated over 2,800 women facing obstetric emergencies.
