By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal Government has reported that 750,000 Nigerians have successfully enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This disclosure was made by Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during the third edition of the ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
Prof. Pate highlighted that the administration under President Bola Tinubu is set to introduce a comprehensive program aimed at digitizing the nation’s healthcare system within the next two weeks.
Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, had previously stated in August 2024 that the government aims to extend health coverage to over 50 million Nigerians, particularly focusing on vulnerable and elderly populations, by 2027. She emphasized the commitment to achieving universal health coverage, ensuring inclusivity for all citizens.
In October 2023, the Federal Government launched operational guidelines for the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority Act, aiming to guarantee access to affordable healthcare services for all Nigerians. These guidelines are intended to facilitate the implementation of health insurance and ensure no Nigerian is left behind.
Prof. Pate underscored the significant progress made in expanding health insurance coverage, attributing it to efforts to increase accessibility and affordability through enrollment initiatives and streamlined administrative processes. He reaffirmed the commitment to providing quality health access for all Nigerians through initiatives such as the Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Moreover, Prof. Pate announced a notable increase in patient attendance at federal tertiary hospitals, indicative of improved quality of care and confidence in the healthcare system. He outlined targeted investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to enhance the capacity of healthcare institutions to deliver specialized medical services and handle complex health conditions.
The government’s commitment to improving tertiary healthcare services includes earmarking twelve tertiary hospitals for infrastructure development, including the establishment of oncology centers, radiology centers, and diagnostics facilities.
Prof. Pate also highlighted efforts to address the shortage of healthcare professionals by collaborating with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to increase the number of medical students admitted to medical schools in the country.
Furthermore, digitalization of the healthcare system is set to be a cornerstone of the ministry’s agenda. Prof. Pate emphasized the transformative potential of digitalization in healthcare delivery, with plans to unveil a comprehensive program within the next two weeks aimed at streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving patient outcomes.