NHIA Achieves Major Milestone in Health Insurance Enrollment in Nigeria
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Nigeria has announced a milestone achievement with health insurance enrolment surpassing 22 million individuals. This marks a significant stride in the nation's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Speaking at the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) meeting in Lagos, NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, emphasized the shift from policy development to actionable improvements in healthcare access, service quality, and consumer protection.
Dr. Ohiri underscored the importance of the current phase of Nigeria's health sector reform, which focuses on the rigorous execution of established policies. He stated, “Nigeria has the policy. Nigeria has the legislation. The decisive variable is now implementation which is consistent, rigorous and accountable execution that converts political commitment into healthcare access for real Nigerians.”
The NHIA attributes the remarkable increase in health insurance coverage, now reaching 22.03 million individuals, to the enhanced collaboration with State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) and active engagement with various governmental and private sector stakeholders. This growth reflects a 35% year-on-year increase, fueled by fortified partnerships and the progressive enforcement of mandatory health insurance in line with the NHIA Act.
Transforming from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the NHIA represents a crucial institutional reform, boosting regulatory oversight, accountability, and strategic purchasing frameworks essential for UHC attainment. The NHIA has refined its complaints management system, boasting an 87% resolution rate for 3,878 complaints and ensuring timely responses. Additionally, over ₦14.2 million has been refunded to enrollees, and non-compliant healthcare providers have faced penalties, enhancing consumer protection efforts.
In a bid to improve patient experience, the NHIA has introduced new service standards, such as a one-hour target for initiating treatment in urgent cases. Reform efforts have also led to increased capitation payments and fee-for-service reimbursements, enabling healthcare facilities to upgrade resources and infrastructure. As part of its commitment to quality care, the NHIA has assessed 7,592 healthcare facilities under the SafeCare quality framework.
The NHIA has launched initiatives to aid vulnerable groups, such as expanding services for over 48,500 pregnant women and implementing funds to support pensioners and retirees. Dr. Ohiri highlighted that achieving UHC necessitates reaching all Nigerians with quality healthcare, irrespective of income or location. The reforms are aligned with broader governmental agendas on social protection and healthcare access, overseen by pertinent government bodies. Despite ongoing challenges, Dr. Ohiri remains optimistic that the current progress lays a solid foundation for the realization of Universal Health Coverage through consistent implementation and building public trust.