**NHIA Gives Pregnant Women a Lifeline Against Financial Barriers** In a bid to reduce maternal mortality rates in Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has expanded its free emergency care programme to cater to pregnant women facing life-threatening complications during pregnancy or childbirth. According to the Director-General of NHIA, Kelechi Ohiri, no Nigerian woman should lose her life due to financial constraints while seeking medical attention. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Mr. Ohiri explained that the NHIA's intervention aims to provide financial protection for pregnant women who require immediate treatment at hospitals. Under this programme, accredited health facilities are required to treat these patients free of charge at the point of service, while the NHIA reimburses the hospitals for the cost of care. "This is a game-changer for pregnant women in Nigeria," Mr. Ohiri stressed. "We want to ensure that money is not a barrier to timely medical care, which can be the difference between life and death." In Nigeria, where many pregnant women face significant financial constraints, the NHIA's initiative is a welcome relief. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with over 800 women dying in childbirth every day. The NHIA's programme is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria's health system through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). By expanding health insurance coverage and strengthening regulation and strategic purchasing, the NHIA aims to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. With this initiative, pregnant women in Nigeria can now seek medical attention without worrying about the financial implications. As Mr. Ohiri put it, "We are committed to saving lives and reducing maternal mortality rates in Nigeria. This programme is a crucial step towards achieving that goal."