Lagos: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a significant milestone, with over 22 million Nigerians now enrolled in health insurance. This development is attributed to the nationwide implementation of mandatory health insurance.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director-General of NHIA, Kelechi Ohiri, shared these figures during the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) in Lagos. Enrollment numbers have increased to 22.03 million, marking a 35% growth compared to the previous year. This increase is largely due to enhanced collaboration with State Social Health Insurance Agencies, various government entities, organized labor, employers, and the private sector. Additionally, the gradual enforcement of the mandatory health insurance provisions outlined in the NHIA Act has played a crucial role.
Ohiri emphasized that Nigeria has moved from policy formulation to delivering tangible improvements in healthcare access, service qua
lity, and consumer protection, aligning with the Federal Government’s health sector reform agenda. He stated that while necessary policies and legislation for achieving Universal Health Coverage are in place, the primary challenge remains effective implementation.
The transition from the former National Health Insurance Scheme to the NHIA has bolstered regulation, consumer protection, accountability, and strategic purchasing, providing a solid legal and operational framework for achieving Universal Health Coverage. Ohiri reiterated the importance of improving the experience of enrollees, highlighting enhancements in the complaints management system, faster resolution timelines, and stricter compliance monitoring of Health Maintenance Organisations and healthcare providers.
The NHIA has resolved 3,878 complaints, achieving an 87% resolution rate, with 95% of cases concluded within the prescribed timelines. Over N14.2 million has been refunded to enrollees, with non-compliant healthcare facilities facing sanc
tions. Measures to improve service standards include a one-hour treatment commencement target for enrollees needing urgent care.
Furthermore, capitation payments to healthcare providers have risen by 93%, while fee-for-service reimbursements have increased by 378%, enabling providers to invest in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. As part of efforts to institutionalize continuous quality improvement, 7,592 healthcare facilities have been assessed under the SafeCare quality framework.
Ohiri also noted interventions aimed at vulnerable groups, including support for over 48,500 pregnant women, expanded maternal and newborn healthcare services, the establishment of the Vulnerable Group Fund, and improved healthcare access for pensioners and retirees. He stressed that Universal Health Coverage can only be achieved if every Nigerian, irrespective of income or location, has access to quality healthcare services. The authority’s reforms are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and th
e health sector reforms coordinated by Muhammad Ali Pate.