By Iyemah David
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) said 19.2 million citizens have enrolled into health insurance scheme, surpassing its 2024 target.
Director-General of the NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri announced this in Abuja at a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day.
The observance of the day would reflect on Nigeria’s UHC quest, identify challenges, and chart a course of action on the scheme.
Dr Ohiri said that the feat was a significant milestone in NHIA’s efforts to expand access to healthcare for Nigerians on the platform of health insurance scheme.
According to him, the achievement surpasses the 2024 target and places the nation at 95 per cent of 2027 presidential coverage goal.
He attributed the success to strategic policy reforms, effective collaborations with stakeholders, and an unwavering commitment to universal health coverage (UHC).
The NHIA DG said that the NHIA had worked tirelessly to implement innovative strategies, including the expansion of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and partnerships with state health insurance agencies.
He noted that the partnership would ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable populations.
He urged state governments and private sector stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at sustaining the momentum and bridging the remaining gaps in health insurance coverage.
He also said that the achievement came amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including funding limitations, infrastructure deficits, and inadequate human resources
He noted that the agency’s strategic roadmap from 2025 to 2027 would include scaling up digital enrollment processes and integrating informal sector workers into the insurance scheme.
“With the theme of this year’s UHC Day, health should reflect the type of government the country has and must make decisions that represent its aspirations.
“We should prioritise Primary Health Care (PHC) as the bedrock of our health system,” he said.
Dr Bolanle Olusola-Faleye of the USAID LHSS Project, said that it was a remarkable time to celebrate 2024 UHC Day with the presence of reforms such as the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP).
Olusola-Faleye said that SWAP had shown evidence of success in the states through the harmonised Annual Operational Plan (AOP), ensuring alignment of priorities.
Public health advocates have lauded the progress, describing it as a significant step toward achieving UHC in Nigeria.
Dr Garfa Alawode, Co-convener of the UHC2023 Forum, said that it was a commendable accomplishment.
Alawode, however, said that there was still more to do to ensure that every Nigerian can access affordable and quality healthcare services.
As Nigeria inches closer to its 2027 health insurance target, Alawode called for sustained political will, increased funding, and effective monitoring.
“This is to ensure that the gains are not only maintained but also translated into improved health outcomes for all citizens,” he said.
UHC Day is a global advocacy day to raise awareness about the importance of equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all individuals without financial hardship.
