… restates commitment to improving nation’s healthcare system

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The federal government, yesterday, launched a Fistula Free Program developed by the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA with a view to improving maternal health in the country.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, speaking at the flag-off and inauguration of the programme committee in Abuja, regretted the high rate of
childbirth-related complications, particularly obstetric fistula among women in Nigeria.

The minister hailed the NHIA Director General for advancing what he referred to as a “collaborative environment to address this pressing issue.”

“Our goal is to save lives, reduce physical and financial pain, and provide quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said.

The minister,who pointed out that many women in the country were facing maternal morbidity and mortality, regretted that many young women, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, suffer from obstetric fistula due to complications during childbirth.

He said:“These women often face stigmatization and financial barriers to accessing the necessary surgical repairs.”

He reiterated the commitment of the present administration to reestablish the nation’s health system with the necessary affordable services and helping the poorest and most vulnerable populations

The minister said:“I am delighted to launch the Fistula Free Program, developed by the NHIA and its steering committee, this is a crucial step towards addressing these challenges”.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, while speaking earlier, explained that highlighed the necessity of financial access and systemic support for the vulnerable population.

According to him, the NHIA developed programme was in line with the federal government’s health sector’s strategic blueprints.

He explained that the programme focused on addressing poverty challenge as well as and vulnerability among women with obstetric fistula.

“These women as typically young, malnourished, and from impoverished households, making them prime candidates for targeted intervention”.

“The chronic nature of their condition is not due to its medical complexity but because they cannot afford treatment”. Dr. Ohiri noted, stressing the urgency of providing affordable care.

“The NHIA Fistula Free Program aims to enhance financial access to definitive care for these women”, he added.