{"id":5875,"date":"2024-11-29T15:48:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T15:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/regtechafrica.com\/healthcare\/?p=5875"},"modified":"2024-11-29T15:48:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T15:48:00","slug":"nigeria-fg-targets-40-health-insurance-coverage-by-2030","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/regtechafrica.com\/healthcare\/nigeria-fg-targets-40-health-insurance-coverage-by-2030\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria: FG Targets 40% Health Insurance Coverage by 2030"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Federal Government of Nigeria<\/strong> has set a bold target to enroll at least 40% of the population<\/strong> into health insurance schemes by 2030<\/strong>, as part of its efforts to achieve universal health coverage<\/strong> (UHC) and provide all Nigerians with access to quality healthcare services.<\/p>\n

This was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri<\/strong>, during the Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN)<\/strong> annual conference and induction ceremony.<\/p>\n

The Gaps in Health Insurance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Ohiri expressed concern over the current state of health insurance in Nigeria, noting that significant unmet needs persist despite over two decades of operations. He highlighted that a staggering 99% of Nigerians in the informal sector<\/strong>are yet to be integrated into health insurance schemes, leaving a vast segment of the population financially vulnerable in times of medical need.<\/p>\n

\u201cHealth insurance is crucial to preventing financial hardship and ensuring access to quality healthcare without fear of financial ruin,\u201d Dr. Ohiri said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Strategic Priorities for Expansion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The NHIA DG outlined four critical areas of focus for achieving UHC:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Expanding health insurance coverage<\/strong> to all Nigerians.<\/li>\n
  2. Improving equity<\/strong>, ensuring no one is left behind.<\/li>\n
  3. Enhancing the quality of care<\/strong> delivered across the healthcare system.<\/li>\n
  4. Building an efficient and sustainable industry<\/strong> through better coordination among stakeholders.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Achieving these objectives, Dr. Ohiri emphasized, will require collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society organizations<\/strong>. He also stressed the importance of creating public awareness, enforcing mandates, and rebuilding trust in the health insurance system.<\/p>\n

    The NHIA Act of 2022<\/strong>, which mandates employers to provide health insurance for their employees, is seen as a key legislative tool. Dr. Ohiri underscored the need for strict enforcement of this law to achieve broader coverage.<\/p>\n

    Lagos State\u2019s Perspective<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Contributing to the discussion, Professor Akin Abayomi<\/strong>, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, highlighted the importance of integrating healthcare into the mainstream economy.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHealthcare provision must cater to both those who can afford it and the vulnerable,\u201d Prof. Abayomi noted.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    He advocated for equity funding and subsidized healthcare<\/strong> for vulnerable populations, while promoting health insurance as a critical mechanism to reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket spending<\/strong>, which often plunges families into financial distress.<\/p>\n

    Driving Business and Regulation in Healthcare<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Speaking as a panellist, Otunba Lekan Ewenla<\/strong>, Managing Director\/CEO of Ultimate Health Management, emphasized that healthcare must be run as a well-regulated business.<\/p>\n

    He called for strict enforcement of regulations to ensure compliance by Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)<\/strong>and healthcare providers. Ewenla also stressed the need to improve service quality to meet the evolving needs of patients.<\/p>\n

    Pathway to Universal Coverage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The conference underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in transforming Nigeria\u2019s health insurance landscape. Dr. Ohiri called on state health insurance schemes, HMOs, healthcare providers, and government agencies<\/strong> to collaborate effectively, ensuring that most Nigerians are protected from the high costs of healthcare.<\/p>\n

    The Federal Government\u2019s ambitious health insurance target is seen as a critical step toward addressing the nation\u2019s healthcare challenges and achieving sustainable development goals in health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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