The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will place a significant emphasis on preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and the management of chronic diseases. NHIA stated that this approach will help alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.
In a statement released on Wednesday after a stakeholder meeting titled ‘Universal Health Coverage: A Vital Objective for Nigeria,’ NHIA clarified that UHC would ensure that citizens have unrestricted access to healthcare without financial obstacles, enabling them to lead more satisfying lives, contribute to the workforce, and stimulate economic growth.
The UHC scheme was established under the NHIS Act (2004) by the Federal Government of Nigeria and was officially gazetted by the Federal Government on May 24, 2022, as the National Health Insurance Authority.
Rita Chukwu, the Lagos State Coordinator of NHIA, emphasized that by embracing UHC, Nigeria has committed to a healthcare system that ensures inclusivity and leaves no one behind.
“It means that every Nigerian, whether they reside in the cities or remote villages, has access to essential healthcare services. It means that we no longer witness tragic cases where people die due to lack of funds for life-saving treatment or medication.
“UHC is not just about access; it’s also about ensuring the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. It means that our healthcare facilities will be adequately equipped and staffed, enabling our healthcare professionals to provide the highest standards of care.
“UHC demands a focus on preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and the management of chronic diseases to reduce the burden on our healthcare system.”
She stressed that UHC promotes social cohesion and reduces inequality, as it bridges the healthcare divide between the rich and the poor.
Head of Department, Standards and Quality Assurance, NHIA, Dr Hameed Obani, added that it was important to increase health insurance coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on health.
“A way forward is to strengthen the health insurance value chain while challenges are the knowledge gap on health insurance concept, NHIA operational guidelines, high attrition rate of desk officers/complaints managers, stigmatising enrollees, and demarketing the public health insurance value chain.”
