From Our Correspondent
The Federal Government says it is set to invest in 8,000 Primary Healthcare arenas with the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced this while unveiling the NHIA Operational Guidelines, on Tuesday, in Abuja.
“We expect faster progress and increased enrollment in the next few years. There is a portion of BHCPF targeting the vulnerable group and we will make sure it gets to them.
“We are investing in the primary healthcare arena. Here, almost 8,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide will receive funds through the BHCPF.
“We will expand the space where the private sector and development partners will contribute,” Pate said.
According to him, Nigeria has less than 10 per cent coverage presently.
Pate said implementing the programme would ensure coverage of more Nigerians to meet goals set by President Bola Tinubu’s aspirations.
Earlier, the Director-General of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof. Mohammed Sambo said the NHIA Act contained two critical provisions to attain Universal Health Coverage.
He said the two provisions had strengthened the capacity of the NHIA to ensure financial access to quality healthcare services for all Nigerians.
This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-3 and contributes to poverty reduction.
Read Related News:
BOSG, WHO commence 10-day polio vaccination
NAFDAC set to improve herbal products
Sambo said the Act is also a legal basis for mandatory participation and the establishment of Vulnerable Group Fund.
The Act, he added, has expanded NHIA’s roles to become a regulator, promoter and integrator of all health insurance schemes. It also recognises the relevance and roles of various stakeholders.
According to him, NHIA operational guidelines are secondary laws derived from the NHIA Act.
“These operational guidelines are, therefore, the result of expert insights and extensive practical experience from all stakeholders in the health insurance ecosystem.
“We crafted them to align with the rebranded NHIA mission, vision and core values. And the extensive reforms within the health insurance ecosystem.
“The guidelines ensure that all stakeholders have a broad-based knowledge of health insurance operations in Nigeria.
“In the guideline, you will find a wealth of information that covers a wide range of operations ranging from governance and stewardship to accreditation and data management.
“It also covers offences, penalties and legal proceedings. We trust that this guideline will serve as a valuable resource in our journey towards attaining Universal Health Coverage,” Sambo said.
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com
