Over 4,000 women have benefited from free caesarean sections, and 1,000 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) have been revitalised across Nigeria within President Bola Tinubu’s first two years in office.
The President made these disclosures during a national broadcast on Thursday, commemorating his second anniversary in office.
Elected on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare, especially for underserved populations.
According to Tinubu, one of the central pillars of his health agenda has been the rehabilitation and upgrading of primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
He stated that 1,000 PHCs have already been revitalised, offering improved healthcare services in both urban and rural areas.
“In addition to the 1,000 PHCs already revitalised, we are currently upgrading another 5,500 centres across the country. These include infrastructural improvements and the provision of modern medical equipment to ensure they can deliver efficient and effective care,” the President said.
He emphasised that the Renewed Hope Health Agenda was not merely a policy framework but a practical, people-driven intervention targeting grassroots healthcare delivery.
Tinubu also disclosed that his administration is establishing six new cancer treatment centres across the country to address the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases. Out of these, three have already been completed and are ready for operation.
“Our cancer centres will enhance early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, giving Nigerians better chances of survival and improving quality of life,” he stated.
Furthermore, he revealed that free dialysis services are now being provided at selected tertiary hospitals as part of the Federal Government’s renal care initiative. In addition, a subsidy programme has been launched to make dialysis more affordable for patients in other facilities.
“Dialysis should not bankrupt families. It is our duty to ensure that patients receive lifesaving care without facing financial ruin. That is why we now provide free dialysis in pilot centres and subsidise it elsewhere,” the President added.
In a bid to reduce maternal mortality rates, Tinubu announced that over 4,000 women have undergone caesarean sections free of charge under the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health.
“Every woman deserves the opportunity to give birth safely, and every child deserves a fighting chance at life. Through this initiative, we are making that a reality for thousands of families,” he declared.
He described the programme as a practical expression of his administration’s resolve to safeguard the lives of women and children, especially in public hospitals.
President Tinubu also pointed to a significant increase in national health insurance coverage, with the number of insured Nigerians growing from 16 million to 20 million in just two years.
“This expansion in health insurance is critical for achieving universal health coverage. It protects families from catastrophic health spending and ensures access to essential services,” he said.
Addressing the issue of health worker shortages in rural areas, Tinubu said his government had begun deploying skilled medical personnel to underserved regions to bridge gaps in human resources for health.
“Access to healthcare must not depend on where you live or how much you earn. We are sending qualified professionals to the frontlines where they are needed most,” he noted.
In tandem with these efforts, the President highlighted investments in public health surveillance and early warning systems to enhance the country’s preparedness for outbreaks and health emergencies.
“In a world still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, we must stay ahead. Our public health infrastructure is being upgraded to detect and respond to threats swiftly and effectively,” he said.
Tinubu stated that targeted social investment programmes had been rolled out to assist vulnerable Nigerians, ensuring they have access to basic healthcare and nutrition. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to prevent the poorest citizens from being excluded from the drive toward universal health coverage.
“We are building a healthcare system that works for everyone, especially the most disadvantaged. No Nigerian should be left behind,” he said.
On the broader economic landscape, Tinubu linked the country’s recent economic recovery to strategic reforms across various sectors, including health. He noted that Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.6% in Q4 2024, with an overall annual growth rate of 3.4% — the highest in nearly ten years.
“A healthy population is the bedrock of a strong economy. By investing in the health of our people, we are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth,” Tinubu concluded.
As he marked two years in office, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred healthcare system that delivers tangible benefits to all Nigerians.