The Democratic Front (TDF) has welcomed the revelation that 2,819 women have benefited from the federal government’s free caesarean operation initiative during its pilot phase.
TDF said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo that it was an affirmation of the readiness of the President Bola Tinubu administration to reduce maternal mortality in the country.
“We laud the Federal Government for exhibiting empathy and care towards Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable populations in the country like expectant mothers. This feat clearly aligns with the promises of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which his presidential campaign was anchored on in the run-up to the election.
“We are further encouraged that no fewer than 104 health facilities have signed up into the initiative nationwide while funds were duly disbursed for the first phase.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the programme covers the total cost of treatment for the five leading causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria: haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, sepsis, post-abortion complications, and obstructed labour.
“The multiple investments and interventions made by the administration, through the introduction of preventive and curative healthcare measures to improve the health of Nigerians since its inauguration, can only be appreciated within the context of several health projects and policies that have been successfully implemented under the initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency.
“We recall that President Tinubu signed an Executive Order in June 2024 to pursue his vision of making Nigeria the global hub of health products and technology manufacturing.
“We have observed that the Executive Order is already driving local health products manufacturing in the sector while reducing the annual medical tourism outflow for the country and creating jobs across the healthcare value chain.
“The novel and groundbreaking decision by the President to establish the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative (MNMR), which is currently offering free cesarean sections to pregnant Nigerian women, confirms our estimation of this administration as a progressive government that adopts forward thinking-policies to support citizens health needs,” it added.
TDF also called on Nigerians, especially the womenfolk, to remain supportive of President Tinubu as he strives to reduce healthcare disparities and ensure equal access to essential services like the c aesarean sections.
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