The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced its intention to surpass the presidential mandate of enrolling 20 per cent Nigerians into health insurance by 2025.
Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General, NHIA, said this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, to commemorate the 2024 Universal Health Coverage Day.
Ohiri underscored the remarkable progress made within the past year, noting an increase in health insurance coverage from 16.7 million to 19.2 million Nigerians—an impressive 14 per cent growth in less than a year.
According to him, this is a whole-of-government effort.
He highlighted the collaboration among the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), state health insurance agencies, and health management organisations.
The NHIA boss further revealed the inaugural of a comprehensive programme aimed at vulnerable women, ensuring access to life-saving care regardless of financial constraints.
“If a woman comes in with an obstetric complication and cannot afford care, we ensure that money is not a barrier. She will receive treatment, and NHIA will underwrite the cost.
“The programme also incorporates family planning services and ensures that patients leaving hospitals are enrolled in health insurance to cover future needs,” he said.
He said that the NHIA had scaled up partnerships with multiple hospitals, signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with 11 health facilities, for the CeMoNC intervention.
He said that It also MoUs with 18 facilities for the Obstetrics Fistula Intervention Programme including 4 national obstetrics fistula centres.
“Over 1,000 women with fistula have been treated under the programme, with costs being verified and paid directly to hospitals by independent administrators,” he said.
He also announced plans to expand NHIAs scope in 2025 by focusing on four key areas.
He listed the areas as increasing enrollment, maternal health, elderly care and digital transformation
He also stressed the importance of citizen engagement and media partnership to raise awareness about health insurance benefits and increase uptake.
“We cannot do this alone. The media plays a critical role in educating Nigerians and holding us accountable.
“Together, we can ensure that every Nigerian is aware of these programmes and how they can access them,” he said.
According to him, As NHIA gears up for 2025, it remains committed to its mandate of making healthcare affordable and accessible to all Nigerians, focusing on equity, quality care, and sustainability.(NAN)
