FG Designates 154 Hospitals for Free Maternal Care Across Nigeria



In a major step toward improving maternal healthcare, the Federal Government of Nigeria has designated 154 health facilities nationwide to provide free treatment for women experiencing obstetric complications. This initiative aims to address health challenges during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum periods, ensuring better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

The announcement was made by Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who emphasized the government's commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The selected hospitals are equipped with skilled healthcare professionals and essential medical resources to offer comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC).

In addition to the 154 hospitals, the government has also established 18 centers across the country to provide free treatment for Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a severe childbirth-related injury that leaves many women incontinent and socially isolated.


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Ensuring Quality Maternal Healthcare

According to Professor Pate, this initiative aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on maternal health. The government hopes that free treatment at these facilities will reduce the high rates of maternal deaths, especially in rural and underserved communities.

"Women should not lose their lives while giving birth. We are ensuring that all Nigerian women, regardless of their economic status, have access to quality maternal healthcare,” the minister stated.

While the initiative has been widely praised, some Nigerians have expressed concerns about possible implementation challenges, including corruption, lack of proper funding, and poor monitoring. Many have urged the government to establish a strict accountability framework to ensure that these services remain truly free and accessible.


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Full List of Free Maternal Care Hospitals

Below is the comprehensive list of the 154 designated health facilities, organized by state:

Abia State

Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba

Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia


Adamawa State

Federal Medical Centre, Yola

Specialist Hospital, Yola


Akwa Ibom State

University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo

St. Luke's Hospital, Anua


Anambra State

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka


Bauchi State

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi

Specialist Hospital, Bauchi


Bayelsa State

Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa

Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri


Benue State

Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi

Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi


Borno State

University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri

State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri


Cross River State

University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar

General Hospital, Calabar


Delta State

Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara

Federal Medical Centre, Asaba


Ebonyi State

Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki

Mile Four Hospital, Abakaliki


Edo State

University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City

Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City


Ekiti State

Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti

Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti


Enugu State

University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla

Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane


Gombe State

Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe

State Specialist Hospital, Gombe


Imo State

Federal Medical Centre, Owerri

Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu


Jigawa State

Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital, Dutse

Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu


Kaduna State

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna


Kano State

Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano


Katsina State

Federal Medical Centre, Katsina

General Hospital, Katsina


Kebbi State

Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi

Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi


Kogi State

Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja

Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja


Kwara State

University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin

Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin


Lagos State

Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba

Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja


Nasarawa State

Federal Medical Centre, Keffi

Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia


Niger State

Federal Medical Centre, Bida

General Hospital, Minna


Ogun State

Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta

Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu


Ondo State

Federal Medical Centre, Owo

University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo


Osun State

Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife

Osun State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo


Oyo State

University College Hospital, Ibadan

Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan


Plateau State

Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos

Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos


Rivers State

University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt

Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt


Sokoto State

Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

Specialist Hospital, Sokoto


Taraba State

Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo

Specialist Hospital, Jalingo


Yobe State

Federal Medical Centre, Nguru

Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu


Zamfara State

Federal Medical Centre, Gusau

General Hospital, Gusau


Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

National Hospital, Abuja

University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada



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Free Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Treatment Centers

The Federal Government has also set up 18 centers for the free treatment of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a childbirth-related injury that leaves women incontinent. Some of these centers include:

National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki (Ebonyi)

National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Babbar Ruga (Katsina)

National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi (Bauchi)

Jahun General Hospital, Jigawa

Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s Hospital, Sokoto



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Conclusion

The Federal Government’s decision to provide free maternal care is a bold step toward reducing maternal deaths and improving women's health across Nigeria. However, stakeholders are urging proper implementation, funding, and oversight to ensure that the program delivers its promised benefits to Nigerian mothers.

For more updates on healthcare policies in Nigeria, follow Insight by Oppy!

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