The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has described the recently approved N750 health insurance capitation by the Lagos State Government as unsustainable. The organization expressed concerns over the inadequacy of the capitation to deliver quality healthcare services to residents effectively.
Speaking at the ANPMP Gala and Awards Ceremony, the Lagos State Chairman of the association, Dr. Jonathan Esegine, highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare providers under the state’s health insurance program, Ilera Eko. He noted that the previous capitation of N350 per month per enrollee had failed to inspire provider participation and that the revised N750 amount remains insufficient.
Esegine emphasized the importance of seamless healthcare financing to ensure efficient service delivery. He stated, “The government has increased the capitation to N750, but it is still not ideal. However, we acknowledge their efforts and are willing to collaborate to improve the scheme. As more people enroll, we hope the costs and remuneration will be reviewed upward.”
Capitation is a healthcare payment model where providers receive a fixed amount per assigned patient, regardless of the level of care provided. This system aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and promote universal health coverage.
The Ilera Eko scheme has enrolled approximately 1.3 million Lagos residents, aiming to alleviate financial barriers to healthcare and bring all residents under the Universal Health Coverage umbrella. Despite this progress, ANPMP and other stakeholders continue to call for higher capitation rates to encourage greater participation from private healthcare providers.
Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), has urged private healthcare providers to join the scheme, stressing that the government cannot achieve universal health coverage alone. She highlighted that the state had increased capitation to N750 per person per month and enhanced fee-for-service rates by 30% to incentivize providers.
In a similar vein, Dr. Babajide Saheed, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, called for a further upward review of the capitation rate. He emphasized the need for the government to incorporate private health facilities into primary healthcare services across the state. Saheed also raised concerns about the financial strain on private facilities due to multiple taxation and overregulation, urging the government to address these issues to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The ANPMP Gala and Awards Ceremony served as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of past leaders to the association’s growth. Distinguished awardees included Prof. Yomi Ogun, Dr. Tola Osinowo, Dr. Jimmy Arigbabuwo, Dr. Tunji Adenekan, and Dr. Makinde Akinlemibola.
While the increased capitation is a step forward, stakeholders continue to advocate for further enhancements to ensure the sustainability of the health insurance scheme and the delivery of quality healthcare to all Lagos residents.
