By Asma’u Ahmad
Two medical experts have called for the interventions of the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and wealthy individuals in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
A Consultant Oncologist, Dr. Ntekim Atara, and a Health Financing Officer, Dr. Francis Ukwuije, spoke with the newsmen in Lagos in commemoration of UHC Day.
It was reported that it was the anniversary of the first unanimous United Nations resolution calling for countries to provide affordable, quality healthcare to every person everywhere.
UHC means everyone can access the quality healthcare services they need without financial hardship.
Dr. Atara, a lecturer at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said that philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians should be encouraged to key into UHC.
“I think based on our experiences, we have been pushing things to the government all along, but it cannot do everything. The private sector, individuals and philanthropists should be encouraged to come in.
“Though, government can provide the policy framework, people should be able to undertake, either set up health centre and make it free or render subsidised services. “And, there should be incentives for them so that they can cover these things appropriately,” he said.
The consultant oncologist said that associations and professional bodies should also organise health programmes for their members.
Also, Dr. Ukwuije said that mandatory health insurance and subsidies were key to attainment of UHC.
Dr. Ukwuije, who is the Head, Healthcare Financing Equity and Investment, Federal Ministry of Health, said that the starting point for achieving UHC requires the attention of governments at all levels.
The expert said that achieving UHC would also require good leadership, health services, workforce, information system and health financing system.
