FG Unveils National Health Insurance Authority Operational Guidelines

To ensure quality and affordable health for all Nigerians, the Federal Government has unveiled the National Health Insurance Authority operational guidelines twenty-twenty-three.

At the unveiling event in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali-Pate reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate of an improved health sector.

The National Health Insurance Authority Act, NHIA 2022 was signed into law on 19 May 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari to implement mandatory Health Insurance for all Nigerians.

“The guidelines will provide direction for the country to ensure more Nigerians are covered and to expand the affordability of healthcare for the population, especially the most vulnerable.”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Mohammed Ali-Pate explained that the NHIA act was a consolidation of the present administration’s agenda of addressing Health challenges in the country through a mandatory and full implementation of quality Health care service delivery across the Country.

“These guidelines are to provide direction, so that as a country, the federal government and its contribution with the states with the provisions of the basic health care provision fund, that we will work in a concerted way to expand the affordability of health care for the population in our country, especially the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

“These guidelines have been developed in a consultative manner with all actors-public, private, civil society, and with engagement of the state governments,” he said.

Professor Ali-Pate assured that the act was an all-inclusive health insurance coverage that is transparent as well as accountable.

Earlier, the Director General NHIA Professor Mohammed Sambo said the Act stands as a testament to the renewed agenda of Health and well-being for all Nigerians.

“The NHIA Act of 2022 laid the foundation for a transformative healthcare system in Nigeria that genuinely aspires to leave no one behind. “No Nigerian should choose between their health and financial well-being.

“If health insurance must be met, there must be  coverage of the vulnerable groups, all those encapsulated in the law, and I’ve been having an exponentiated understanding of how we are going to try this to social insurance for the attainment of health coverage, and sustainable life.”

He noted that the Act would provide and facilitate much-needed health coverage for the vulnerable and less privileged in society.

The DG also explained that the NHIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 10 pharmaceutical companies in line with the Act to manufacture affordable quality medicines.

Also speaking Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu and Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu expressed satisfaction with The NHIA operational guidelines and called for efforts in strengthening the drive to address Health issues in the Country.