During the first quarter review meeting in Abuja, the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Social Health Insurance Agencies disclosed a remarkable achievement. They reported that within five years, 50% of citizens have enrolled in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Chairman Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi highlighted the success of the State Social Health Insurance Schemes (SSHIS) in addressing the long-standing issue of limited healthcare access for a significant portion of the Nigerian population. These state-level insurance programmes aim to provide comprehensive health coverage to both formal and informal sector workers, including the most vulnerable groups.
The SSHIS saw an exponential increase in enrollment, with millions of Nigerians benefiting from improved access to healthcare services, covering a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, outpatient care, preventive care, and essential medications.
Dr. Onyemaechi attributed the success of the schemes to their affordability, comprehensive coverage, and the involvement of state governments in their implementation and management, stressing the collaboration between the federal and state governments for effective administration, efficient fund allocation, and improved healthcare infrastructure across the states.
The impact of the SSHIS on healthcare outcomes has been significant, contributing to the reduction of preventable diseases, improved maternal and child health, and better management of chronic conditions, positively impacting the overall health and well-being of Nigerians, leading to increased productivity and economic growth.
Despite the commendable success of the SSHIS, challenges remain. Dr. Onyemaechi emphasized the need for continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, enhancement of service quality, and expansion of coverage to remote areas to ensure the sustainability of the schemes in the long run.
Additionally, a multifaceted approach was unveiled to enhance access to healthcare across the country, including urging employers to provide health insurance for their workers, implementing a tax-for-service model for the organized informal sector, and expanding the NHIA medicine supply initiative to ensure medication availability.
Dr. Vetty Agala, Ag Executive Secretary of Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, emphasized the need for awareness creation, while Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health Management Agency, highlighted the pillars that made the state successful, focusing on getting the formal sector involved and ensuring programmes for vulnerable people.
In conclusion, the success and challenges of the SSHIS represent a crucial development in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with continuous efforts required to ensure the sustainability and expansion of health insurance coverage and access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
NAN
