Mobilising States for Scalable Health Insurance in Nigeria

Stakeholders in Nigeria's health sector convened in Akure to deliberate on strategies for mitigating exorbitant healthcare costs nationwide. The summit, themed "Economic Realities and the UHC Dream: Mobilising States for a Scalable Health Insurance," marked the first national gathering of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs).

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State highlighted the summit’s theme, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services amid challenging economic conditions. He noted that escalating economic pressures have rendered healthcare unaffordable, delaying essential medical care until conditions become severe and financially burdensome.

Aiyedatiwa stressed that Social Health Insurance is crucial for safeguarding citizens from overwhelming healthcare expenditures. He praised the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission for expanding insurance coverage, transforming health insurance from policy initiatives into tangible, life-saving solutions for the state's residents.

The state has launched a maternal and child health insurance program, ensuring free antenatal care, safe deliveries, and coverage for children under five. The Basic Health Care Provision Fund’s "Ilera-Loro" scheme has incorporated vulnerable individuals in all 18 local government areas. Additionally, retirees have been absorbed into the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) with full financial coverage from the government.

Significant investments in medical infrastructure and robust recruitment of healthcare professionals underline the government's commitment to efficient delivery of social health insurance services. Governor Aiyedatiwa also approved a N1 billion hospital intervention fund to accelerate the development and modernization of health facilities across the state.

Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), emphasized the importance of collective effort to achieve universal health coverage, stressing that it cannot be the sole responsibility of the government. He advocated for partnerships between state governments and private entities to extend financial protection to all Nigerians, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic conditions. Ohiri reported a significant rise in health insurance coverage, attributing over a 33 percent increase to state health insurance schemes, pivotal in enhancing access to financial risk protection.