Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Nigeria surpasses 2024 health insurance target, hits 95% of 2027 goal- NHIA

POSTED ON December 16, 2024 •   Health & Wellness      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Picture illustration of a child receiving immunisation

NIGERIA (NAN) - The National Health Insurance Authority has announced that  19.2 million citizens have enrolled in the health insurance scheme, surpassing its 2024 target.

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

“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.

Ohiri said the NHIA had worked tirelessly to implement innovative strategies.

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

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 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.

Muhammad Lawal, Yobe’s health commissioner, said there should be no negotiation for the health of the people, most especially the vulnerable segment of the population.

Bolanle Olusola-Faleye of the USAID LHSS Project said it was a remarkable time to celebrate 2024 UHC Day with the presence of reforms such as the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP).

Ms Olusola-Faleye said SWAp had shown evidence of success in the states through the harmonised Annual Operational Plan, ensuring alignment of priorities.

Public health advocates have lauded the progress, describing it as a significant step toward achieving UHC in Nigeria.

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

Alawode, however, said there was still more to do to ensure that every Nigerian can access affordable and 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.

READ ALSO
Minister calls for enhanced abattoir standards to safeguard public health
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 22, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN)- The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged for legislative me...

READ ALSO
Nigeria, China seeks enhance bilateral cooperation to drive economic diversification-Ojukwu
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 21, 2025 0

The federal government on Thursday emphasized the importance of enhanced bilateral cooperation with...

READ ALSO
NDLEA arrests three suspects for supplying arms to bandits
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 19, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three suspects linked to supplying of...

READ ALSO
Health Threats: Nigeria, ECOWAS call for urgent regional collaboration
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 19, 2025 0

The federal government of Nigeria, alongside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),...

READ ALSO
Accurate Diagnosis in Healthcare: Challenges, Consequences, and the Path Forward
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 17, 2025 0

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is a critical component of healthcare as it provides an understandin...

READ ALSO
Childhood Cancer Day: Advocates push for No-Cost treatment in public hospitals
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 16, 2025 0

Stakeholders advocating for effective cancer treatment have urged governments at all levels to provi...

READ ALSO
Tinubu endorses national paramilitary academy, healthcare staffing for prisons
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 14, 2025 0

ABUJA.Nigeria - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Oj...

READ ALSO
Drug Abuse: NDLEA urges community collaboration to protect youth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 12, 2025 0

ONDO, Nigeria - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that approximately 14 milli...

OUR CHANNELS:

Aiyedatiwa pardon 43 inmates i to mark inauguration ceremony
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 25, 2025 0

ONDO, Nigeria - To commemorate his inauguration, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has granted...


Tragic accident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claims Nine lives, injures three
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 25, 2025 0

At least nine individuals have been confirmed deceased, while three others suffered various injuries...


SERAP takes legal action against CBN over unjust ATM fee hike
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 25, 2025 0

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against the...


Major Drug Bust: NDLEA intercepts 46.60 kg of canadian loud at Lagos Airport
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 24, 2025 0

Agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have disrupted an attempt by a Thai natio...


FG unveils 'Skill-Up S-East' initiative to enhance fashion and Health
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 25, 2025 0

ABAKALIKIA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement fo...


Ogun secures $2.5bn livestock investment from Brazilian giant JBS
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 24, 2025 0

Ogun State is poised to benefit from a $2.5 billion investment in livestock production from JBS, a c...


Telecom firms warn of shutdown due to fuel tanker drivers’ strike
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 24, 2025 0

The telecommunications companies in Nigeria have issued a warning of potential shutdowns if prompt a...


Civil servants demand immediate reduction in PAYE Tax amid economic strain
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 24, 2025 0

Numerous federal government employees have voiced their apprehensions regarding the substantial inco...


Deputy Speaker highlights progress in constitutional review process
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 24, 2025 0

Akwa Ibom, Nigeria (NAN) - The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has re...


FG to abolish Visa-on-Arrival Policy, citing ineffectiveness
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 24, 2025 0

The federal government has revealed its intentions to abolish the Visa-on-Arrival policy, emphasizin...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu