Wike Offers Free Caesarean Sections, Full Healthcare Coverage to Pregnant Women in FCT
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved free caesarean sections and full medical treatment for pregnant women in the FCT as part of efforts to curb maternal and infant mortality.
According to a statement by Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, the initiative falls under the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), which has recorded 198,810 new enrollees in the last year—10,065 of them pregnant women registered free of charge.
The FCT Minister’s administration surpassed its annual target of 25,000 enrollees by over 100%, reflecting what officials describe as renewed public confidence in the scheme.
The free health coverage—facilitated through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)—includes:
• Free health education, antenatal drugs, routine consultations, and delivery at all Primary Health Care (PHC) centers.
• Free referrals to General Hospitals for cesarean sections, blood transfusions, and treatment of complications such as eclampsia.
• Coverage for services like dental, mental, eye, ENT care, lab tests, x-rays, and physiotherapy.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services, emphasized that the scheme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative, which promotes zero tolerance for preventable maternal and infant deaths.
Hospitals designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEONC) centres—including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals—will offer these critical services at no cost.
The free registration for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, began in February 2025 and is still ongoing across all six FCT Area Councils.
