article · Journal of Global Health Economics and Policy
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nigeria, launched in 2005 to achieve universal health coverage, faces substantial implementation challenges. Despite its objectives, current statistics show less than 5% enrolment, with 70% of Nigerians still relying on out-of-pocket payments for healthcare. Key issues include low enrolment rates, fluctuating numbers of healthcare professionals, inefficient service delivery, inadequate infrastructure, and poor resource management, which contribute to substandard care quality. Recommendations for improvement include enhancing hospital efficiency, motivating and retaining healthcare workers, adopting appropriate technology, clarifying prepayment mechanisms, increasing state contributions, and implementing robust evaluation metrics. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the NHIS to achieve its intended goals and provide effective healthcare and financial protection for the Nigerian population.
This research highlights critical barriers preventing millions of Nigerians from accessing affordable healthcare. Understanding these challenges is essential for policymakers and health organisations to develop effective strategies, improve health outcomes, and reduce financial burdens on citizens, ultimately moving towards a more equitable health system.
This abstract focuses on policy implementation and systemic challenges within a national health insurance scheme. It does not indicate any direct commercialisation pathways, products, or services.
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The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nigeria, despite its critical role in aiming for Universal Health Coverage, faces significant challenges. Initiated in 2005 with the goal of universal healthcare access by 2015, the scheme has struggled with low enrolment rates, fluctuating numbers of healthcare professionals, and substantial out-of-pocket expenditures for citizens. Current statistics indicate less than 5% of Nigerians are enrolled in NHIS, while 70% still finance their healthcare independently. Major issues include inefficient service delivery, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and poor resource management, leading to substandard care quality. Recommendations for improvement focus on enhancing hospital efficiency, motivating and retaining healthcare workers, adopting appropriate technology, and clarifying prepayment mechanisms. Increased state contributions and robust evaluation metrics are also suggested to facilitate better adaptation to Nigeria’s diverse and growing population. Addressing these challenges is crucial for achieving the intended goals of the NHIS and moving closer to universal health coverage in Nigeria. Extensive discussions and strategic policy adjustments are essential to overcome these barriers, ensuring effective healthcare service delivery and financial protection for the Nigerian population.
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DOI: 10.52872/001c.120197
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