As part of efforts towards Nigeria’s attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the federal government has engaged stakeholders for renewed commitment towards the goal, through the National Health Insurance (NHIS).
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, while addressing stakeholders at the Strategic Stakeholders Engagement for Development Partners, organised by the NHIS, in Abuja, said with NHIS as Nigeria’s main hub for the attainment of UHC, it becomes imperative to mobilise all available support for the scheme in a coordinated manner that will deliver the expected outcomes in the right measure and quality.
He said that the meeting was most appropriate and in consonance with the commitment of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to rejuvenate all organs of the health sector for unfettered performance, especially within the context of the Next Level Agenda, designed to rapidly multiply social and economic benefits to Nigerians.
“It is my hope that this meeting will provide an opportunity for the partners to do a deep dive on the strategic vision and direction of NHIS, especially in terms of capacity development and specific funding support with due regards for the core mandate of each partner,” Enahire stated.
In his welcome address, NHIS executive secretary, Prof. Mohammed Sambo, acknowledge the important roles of the donor agencies and the implementing partners in accelerating the attainment of the UHC.
“As development Partners, it is obvious that the states will undoubtedly require your interventions. It is in this regard that we urge you to study the matrix of implementing health insurance in Nigeria, with a view to intervening in the following areas including but not limited to Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Capacity Building and Human Development, Programme Development and Quality Control.”
He added that “the Scheme is fully aware that it cannot fully achieve its mandate of Universal Health Coverage alone without the involvement of all the Development Partners that are gathered here today. The areas of intervention are limitless. We, therefore, crave your kind indulgence to redouble your commitment in assisting the attainment of UHC.”
