The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, emphasising equity, innovation and systemic reforms as critical enablers.
Speaking in Abuja, NHIA director-general, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri underscored that achieving UHC is both a necessity and an obligation. “We must prioritise the poor and vulnerable, ensuring access to quality healthcare is not limited by socio-economic status,” he stated.
Ohiri highlighted key challenges, including geographical disparities, poor quality of care, and the unsustainable burden of out-of-pocket healthcare costs. “Our system must prioritise preventive and promotive care alongside curative services,” he added.
To address these issues, NHIA is scaling up outreach programmes and expanding insurance coverage through innovative measures that enhance efficiency and transparency. “At the last count, over 600,000 individuals were part of a healthcare access study. This number will grow significantly as coverage expands,” Ohiri said.
Collaboration across federal, state, and international levels is critical. The Director-General revealed that NHIA aims to extend insurance coverage to all tertiary hospitals and subnational facilities by year-end, bolstering healthcare accessibility.
“UHC is not just an aspiration; it is a lifeline for every Nigerian. Regardless of socio-economic status, everyone deserves access to quality healthcare,” he affirmed.
NHIA is focusing on equity-driven policies that address Nigeria’s underserved populations. Ohiri stressed the need for a unified plan, integrating efforts from all stakeholders to create a sustainable healthcare system.
By leveraging innovation and equity, NHIA is laying the groundwork for a healthcare system that ensures no Nigerian is left behind, creating a more inclusive and resilient future.
