Quite a number of Nigerians are ignorant about healthcare insurance, and most often than not they think it’s beyond their pay grade and its only for the rich.
Sadly too, while some Nigerians seemingly become exposed to insurance by virtue of work, others open to it when they seek greener pastures abroad. There and then, it becomes critical to work and sustenance.
Are Nigerians Aware That Health insurance Is Mandatory In Nigeria?
Nigeria’s journey towards achieving universal health coverage has been fraught with challenges, yet filled with potential. Since the inception of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2005, the country has made strides, but significant gaps remain, thus creating a need to bridge the gap to achieve universal health coverage.
Understanding Nigeria’s Health Insurance Landscape
Despite the establishment of the NHIS and the recent enactment of mandatory health insurance legislation in 2022, only 3% of the Nigerian population is covered by health insurance, as per the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
The challenges contributing to this low coverage include poor policy implementation, limited government spending on health, and a lack of awareness among the populace.
The Role of Health Insurance in Nigeria
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) oversees health insurance schemes nationwide, but coverage remains below 5% of the population.
Federal and state government employees primarily benefit from these schemes, leaving a significant portion of the population uninsured. Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) also play a crucial role in providing tailored insurance plans for individuals, families, and organizations.
Dispelling Myths and Promoting Awareness
Many Nigerians perceive healthcare insurance as inaccessible or exclusive to the affluent.
However, initiatives like the collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency and UNICEF aim to debunk these myths.
Through media engagements and community outreach, efforts are underway to educate Nigerians about the importance of health insurance and its role in reducing child mortality rates.
The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency,Dr. Shola Akande, makes it clear that health insurance is designed to reach the vulnerable, not just the privileged. He pins to board the importance of universal coverage in improving the quality of life for all Nigerians, particularly in a country where health systems are struggling to meet demand.
He apprised further that the policy is mandatory, accessible and cuts across all class. According to him, there are fresh plans by the agency to pull more persons from the informal sector into the scheme.
On the other hand, Dr. Ijeoma Agba, a health specialist with UNICEF, highlights the equitable distribution of healthcare resources facilitated by health insurance. By reducing out-of-pocket expenses and providing financial protection, health insurance ensures that individuals and families can access healthcare services when needed, regardless of their financial status.
She says:
“Achieving universal healthcare requires a multi-sectoral and collaborative approach, involving government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, the private sector, communities and the media.”
Guts First, Then Gains…
While relative progress has been made, Nigeria still faces challenges in achieving universal health coverage. Experts emphasize the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and increased awareness to drive policy implementation and ensure sustainability.
To this end, Journalists are asked to serve as change agents, while politicians must prioritize the long-term viability of existing health insurance schemes.
UHC Provides An Endless Cover
Attaining universal health coverage stands as a paramount objective for Nigeria, with health insurance serving as a linchpin in facilitating access to top-tier healthcare services.
However, to effectively implement health insurance nationwide, experts advocate for reinforced enforcement mechanisms that align with the diverse needs of citizens across various sectors.
Furthermore, there’s a pressing call for journalists to wield their influence as societal catalysts, amplifying awareness and fostering understanding of the benefits of health insurance. Concurrently, political leaders are urged to demonstrate unwavering commitment to policies that uphold the sustainability of existing health insurance frameworks.
Moreover, it’s imperative for citizens to perceive the state insurance scheme not merely as a revenue-generating entity, but as a conduit that ensures the health security of individuals, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
Embracing a broad-minded approach, Nigerians can recognize that universal health coverage is within reach, offering accessibility and affordability to all.
Universal health coverage is attainable in Nigeria, but concerted efforts are needed to overcome barriers and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services. By dispelling myths, promoting awareness, and fostering collaboration, Nigeria can pave the way towards a healthier and more prosperous future for all its citizens.
What do you know about Health Maintenance Organisations ( HMOs) ?
