19.2 million Nigerians use health insurance – Official

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says 19.2 million citizens have enrolled on health insurance schemes surpassing its 2024 target

The Director-General of NHIA, Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed this in Abuja at a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) day commemoration roundtable to reflect on Nigeria’s UHC quest, identify challenges, and chart a course of action.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable was part of the activities lined up for the commemoration of the 2024 UHC Day.

It was to reflect on Nigeria’s UHC quest, identify challenges, and chart a course of action.

Mr Ohiri said this feat was a significant milestone in the NHIA’s efforts to expand access to healthcare for Nigerians under the health insurance scheme.

According to him, this achievement surpasses the 2024 target and places the nation at 95 per cent of its ambitious 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)

“We are proud to announce that 19.2 million Nigerians have been covered by health insurance.

“This surpasses our 2024 target and places us within striking distance of achieving 95 per cent of the 2027 presidential target,” he said.

He said that the NHIA had worked tirelessly to implement innovative strategies.

“This includes the expansion of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and partnerships with state health insurance agencies to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable populations,” he said.

According to him, the milestone reflects the federal government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare as outlined in the National Health Act.

He urged state governments and private sector stakeholders to intensify efforts to sustain the momentum and bridge the remaining gaps in health insurance coverage.

He said that the achievement came amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including funding limitations, infrastructure deficits, and inadequate human resources

However, the NHIA boss expressed optimism, noting that the agency’s strategic roadmap for 2025–2027 includes 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.

The Commissioner for Health in Yobe, Muhammad Lawal, said that UHC was a reality and we must work towards it.

Mr Lawal said that there should be no negotiation for the health of the people, especially the vulnerable segment of the population.

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).

Mrs 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.

The Co-convener of the UHC2023 Forum, Garfa Alawode, said that it was a commendable accomplishment.

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However, Mr Alawode said that more needed to be done to ensure that every Nigerian could access affordable, quality healthcare services.

As Nigeria inches closer to its 2027 health insurance target, Mr 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.

NAN recalls that 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.

(NAN)