The spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, has announced that the first natural childbirth will be free of charge within ministry-owned hospitals across all governorates that have maternity wards.
During a phone interview with Extra News TV channel on Wednesday, he explained that the “Safe and Burden-Free Childbirth” initiative is aimed at alleviating the economic burdens on Egyptian families, while placing the health of women and children at the forefront of its priorities.
The spokesperson explained the move comes as part of the state’s desire to better balance between natural and cesarean birth rates and encourage natural childbirth methods.
He added that the initiative covers public and central hospitals in all governorates, and that the ministry has been working on comprehensive measures that include awareness campaigns, training, and the establishment of regulatory requirements in both public and private hospitals.
Medical staff are already qualified to perform natural childbirth, he explained, adding that the ministry is focused on providing a safe environment that includes supportive equipment and anesthesiologists to ensure a painless delivery.
This is in addition to ongoing awareness campaigns that emphasize that natural childbirth has health benefits for both mother and child, he explained.
These steps aim to enhance confidence in the healthcare system and facilitate informed family decision-making.
