Experts counsel Nigeria on financing universal health coverage

Experts across the region have advised Nigeria to adopt innovative ways towards financing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means ensuring that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardships The experts gave the advice during the National Health Dialogue organised by the Development Research and Projects Centre- Partnership […]

Experts across the region have advised Nigeria to adopt innovative ways towards financing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means ensuring that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardships

The experts gave the advice during the National Health Dialogue organised by the Development Research and Projects Centre- Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health at Scale (dRPC-PACFaH@Scale) and Premium Times in Abuja.

Universal Health Coverage lead,  AMREF Kenya, Dr Beatrice Gatumia, said experts were observing political commitment towards achieving UHC  across Africa, adding that key things to learn included increasing public participation. “A lot of people don’t understand what UHC is, why it is important and how it affects them,” she added.

Dr Lydia Dsane-Selby, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Ghana advised Nigeria to extend health insurance coverage to the informal sector. She added that the bulk of health funding in Ghana was tax based and that, that way people don’t have to pay at the point of service.

The Director Planning, Research and Statistics of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, said the federal government was working hard towards ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country. He said government was implementing the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as part of efforts towards UHC in the country.

Dr Meribole called on Nigerians to support government in changing the narrative in the health sector saying that government could not do it alone, and needed public participation. “Your voice is critical in ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” he added.

Dr Garba Bulama of the Department of Planning Research and Statistics, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) said good governance was critical to making every one work in synergy, noting that once governance was fixed, 80% of the problems in primary healthcare would be solved.