90,000 Nigerian women got emergency childbirth care, paid for by the state
The NHIA covers complications in 300 accredited hospitals with no deposit, and has funded fistula repair for 6,000 women.
Abuja — About 90,000 Nigerian women have received emergency care for childbirth complications in the past 18 months under a programme paid for by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), its director-general Kelechi Ohiri said on Thursday.
Speaking at Nigeria Health Watch's 2026 Future of Health Conference in Abuja, Ohiri said the scheme covers about 300 fully accredited hospitals in every state, with more joining. Any woman who develops a complication in childbirth is treated without being asked for money, and the NHIA pays the bill.
He said the programme was built because families often lose precious time raising a hospital deposit, and the government decided it could not wait until every Nigerian had health insurance before tackling preventable maternal deaths.
Fistula repair
Ohiri said about 6,000 women have also been treated for obstetric fistula, an injury from prolonged or obstructed labour that causes constant leaking and often leaves women shunned. It is largely preventable and curable, but many women cannot afford surgery. The NHIA funds the repairs with partners.
He acknowledged that women are still dying in childbirth, but said the programme means more of those emergencies can now end well.
Source: Premium Times, 29 October 2026.
