The Health Services and Environment Secretariat has provided free surgical support and other palliatives to indigent women at Kuje General Hospital as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.
The Mandate Secretary of HSES, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, led the intervention on Sunday, where seven indigent mothers benefited from free surgical procedures under the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Programme, in line with the policy of the Federal Ministry of Health.
According to a statement signed by her media aide, Bola Ajao, on Monday, the visit was part of efforts to celebrate women and reinforce the secretariat’s commitment to improving maternal and family health through targeted interventions aimed at reducing the financial burden on women and their families.
Speaking during the visit, Fasawe said the initiative aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” noting that the secretariat designed the outreach to provide relief to vulnerable families.
“The gesture was meant to appreciate their sacrifices and provide relief for families already dealing with the emotional and financial burden of illness,” she said.
According to the statement, the mandate secretary interacted with patients, new mothers, caregivers, families of patients and female health workers on duty.
She acknowledged the dedication of the women who continued to provide care to patients despite the global celebration.
“Across hospitals, these women remain pillars of strength, offering care, compassion and hope to those going through difficult moments,” she said.
As part of the outreach, food items, cash support and other provisions were distributed to patients, new mothers, medical staff and relatives of patients who were keeping vigil at the hospital.
Fasawe also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by HSES to support women and improve health outcomes. These include free health insurance enrolment for vulnerable women, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, cooking gas support, baby kits for newborns and other medical palliatives.
She explained that the secretariat’s approach is guided by the belief that empowering women has a broader impact on society.
“The philosophy behind the Secretariat’s interventions is simple: when society supports women, the gains are reflected in healthier children, stronger homes and more resilient communities,” she said.
The mandate secretary toured several wards in the hospital, offering words of encouragement to patients and their families and commending caregivers for their dedication.
She also extended condolences and support to bereaved families during the visit.
Fasawe praised the medical personnel at Kuje General Hospital for their resilience and dedication to duty, particularly for remaining on duty during the weekend and on a day when many people were celebrating with their families.
Responding on behalf of the hospital management, the Medical Director, Ayeni Babatunde, expressed appreciation to the mandate secretary for the visit and the humanitarian intervention.
“The intervention uplifted the spirits of patients and their families”, Babatunde said.
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