CAIRO - 6 May 2026: Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar approved a decision Wednesday to provide the first natural delivery free of charge for women at all government-owned hospitals nationwide.
The move aims to improve maternal and child health while encouraging safe medical practices. Following an initial natural delivery, the likelihood of successful subsequent natural births increases.
The ministry said the decision is part of a broader strategy to promote natural childbirth as the optimal medical choice for uncomplicated cases.
More than 70% of Egyptian women have had C-Section deliveries in recent years, according to the World Health Organization.
By incentivizing natural delivery, the state seeks to reduce complications associated with unnecessary Cesarean sections and improve overall public health indicators.
The ministry added that public hospitals are fully equipped to handle these cases according to high quality and safety standards. Medical teams have been trained to ensure the service is provided safely and equitably across all governorates.
This policy reflects a state commitment to easing the financial burden on citizens and investing in women's healthcare as a pillar of community development, the ministry said.
An array of reasons and misconceptions have led to the staggering surge in C-sections. The operation can be scheduled, is faster, avoids complications attributed to natural delivery such as pelvic organ prolapse, and eliminates concerns regarding a woman's experience during labor.
In private hospitals, natural birth is not significantly less expensive than a C-section, which encourages women to pay the minimal price gap and avoid the anticipated pain of natural delivery.
Be Social
Comments
Leave a Comment