FG launches fistula free programme

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) yesterday launched its fistula free programme to enhance financial access to care for women suffering from obstetric fistula in the country.

Flagging off the intervention, in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said the inauguration of the NHIA Fistula Free Program marks a pivotal step in government’s commitment to tackling the severe healthcare challenges posed by obstetric fistula in Nigeria.

He said the condition causes chronic incontinence and severe social and economic consequences, particularly for young, malnourished women from poor households.

He said the MoU on the intervention was critical to formalizing the collaborative effort between the NHIA, National Obstetric Fistula Centres, and selected Health Management Organizations (HMOs) to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to addressing obstetric fistula across Nigeria.

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He said, “It outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party and sets a framework for the committee’s tasks.”

The minister said the committee on the intervention would be action-oriented and results-driven in providing strategic guidance and direction, reviewing progress, making recommendations for improvement, advocating for prevention, and evaluating impact.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said obstetric fistula affects about 100,000 women nationwide and results from prolonged and obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, leading to unpleasant outcomes.

He said each year, about 13,000 new cases arise, and that without intervention, it could take up to 83 years to address the backlog of unrepaired cases.

He said the initial phase of the program targets National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Edo states, with plans to expand to other hospitals.