Nigeria’s health sector has recorded significant progress, with over 10 million citizens benefiting from enhanced primary healthcare services funded by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Speaking at the 9th BHCPF Meeting in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, praised the achievements as pivotal steps toward universal health coverage.
Prof. Pate announced a notable rise in health insurance coverage, with 2.4 million new enrollees in 2024, bringing the total insured population to 18.6 million.
Efforts to ensure the effective use of BHCPF funds were also highlighted, with the Minister urging citizens to monitor resource allocation at primary healthcare centres and report discrepancies.
The minister credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative for the sector’s advancements and expressed optimism about sustaining the momentum in 2025.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), detailed the rapid growth in health insurance enrolment, which rose from 16.7 million in 2023 to 19.2 million by November 2024, with projections exceeding 20 million by year-end.
The BHCPF now provides financial support for 2.6 million Nigerians, ensuring access to primary healthcare and referrals to secondary care for those unable to afford premiums. However, challenges remain, including low public awareness about health insurance and rising healthcare costs.
To address cost challenges, NHIA has increased provider payments by 60% under capitation and 40% under fee-for-service models. Dr. Ohiri also announced plans for actuarial studies to align premiums with actual healthcare needs and mechanisms like “GiveShipR” to ensure retirees maintain uninterrupted coverage.
“We can pull all our risks and resources together, so no one has to pay the full cost of healthcare, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, is included,” Dr. Ohiri emphasized, calling on stakeholders and the media to raise awareness about the benefits of health insurance.
