THE Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, on Wednesday, disclosed that the Federal Government had enrolled about 750,000 Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Pate stated this at the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja, noting that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration will unveil a comprehensive programme to digitise the nation’s healthcare system in the next two weeks.
The briefing series was initiated to provide a platform for public officials to reel out their achievements and apprise Nigerians of the challenges of governance.
The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim had, in August 2024, said the FG would provide health coverage to over 50 million Nigerians, especially the vulnerable and the elderly people by 2027.
She noted that no one would be left behind in achieving universal health coverage in the country.
In October 2023, the FG launched the operational guidelines for the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority Act as part of efforts to ensure all Nigerians have access to affordable healthcare services.
The guidelines are to facilitate the implementation of health insurance and to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
Speaking at the briefing, Pate said the government has so far made substantial strides in expanding health insurance coverage.
He said, “Recognising that financial barriers often deter individuals from seeking medical care, we have worked tirelessly to increase the accessibility and affordability of health insurance schemes.
“By supporting enrollment initiatives and streamlining administrative processes, we have extended coverage to millions of Nigerians, safeguarding them against the financial hardships associated with healthcare expenses.
“Since the beginning of this administration, we have enrolled about 750,000 more Nigerians in health insurance. We remain committed to providing access to quality health for all Nigerians through the Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.”
He added that the government is committed to improving tertiary healthcare services in the country.
