The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a remarkable increase in enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme, with a total of 18.7 million Nigerians now registered. This represents an 11% rise from the previous year’s enrollment of 16 million.
Analysts attribute the surge to the escalating medical costs resulting from inflationary pressures and forex crisis, driving more Nigerians to seek affordable healthcare options. The NHIA’s efforts, in collaboration with state government institutions, have yielded impressive results, surpassing the presidential target by 8%.
The coordinating minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, had earlier reported an additional 750,000 Nigerians enrolled in health insurance within the first 100 days of the President Bola Tinubu administration. The NHIA, under Dr. Kelechi Ohiri’s leadership, has implemented strategic measures to boost enrollment, including a review of capitation fees paid to healthcare providers.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of services and attract more enrollees. A temporary rate has been agreed upon, pending the announcement of a revised rate. The NHIA’s progress demonstrates its capability to meet and exceed the 2027 target, moving closer to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030.
