By Asma’u Ahmad
The FCT chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has expressed concern over the poor implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Nigeria’s low rating in global community.
Dr Ekpe Philip, the Chairman of the chapter, said this at a news conference to mark the NMA-FCT physician week on Monday in Abuja.
The theme of the event is “Universal Health Coverage: Leaving No One Behind”. He said that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 8 on UHC envisioned that by 2030, everybody could access health services they desired.
The chairman added that the goal was expected to be of sufficient quality, effectiveness and accessible with no untoward financial constraints.
According to him, in spite of repeated calls from NMA and strong international support for UHC, the level of implementation and drive towards achieving this feat is still low.
Philip said that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) still covers less than seven per cent of Nigerians till date.
“The NMA has thought it wise to bring to the attention of all, including the government of the day, partners and the public, the need for a multi-sectoral approach.”
This, he said, would be geared towards the institution of a political will for both investment and alternative funding of the lofty goal to drive appropriate reforms.
According to him, it is no news that government efforts to achieve universal health for Nigeria is below expectation, especially when compared to the rest of the world.
Phillip said that the major job for the NHIS was to provide basic health to Nigerians without impoverishing them irrespective of socio-economic status.
He stated that while formal sector had made significant progress, the informal sector which comprised over 80 per cent of the country’s population was not yet covered.
