No fewer than 83 million poor Nigerians who cannot afford to pay premiums as recommended by the Lancet Nigeria Commission, are set to now enjoy from the National Health Insurance Authority with the signing into law, of a Bill to that effect, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Known as National Health Insurance Authority Bill 2022, the bill replace National Health Insurance Scheme Act, Cap N42, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Speaking at the signing today, May 19, President Buhari said that a Fund will be set up “to ensure coverage of 83 million poor Nigerians who cannot afford to pay premiums as recommended by the Lancet Nigeria Commission.
“For the large number of vulnerable individuals who are not able to pay health insurance premiums, a Vulnerable Group Fund will be set up to include a component of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund due to the Authority, Health Insurance Levy, Special Intervention Fund, and any investment proceeds, donations and gifts to the Authority.”
The President announced that the Authority will collaborate with state government Health Insurance Schemes to accredit primary and secondary health facilities and enroll Nigerians into the scheme in order to ensure the delivery of quality health care.
Senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu described the new Act will enable the Authority and state governments to develop information management systems and digital records for better data collection, monitoring and quality assurance.
President Buhari tasked the Health Reform Committee to work with state governments, the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority to ensure the implementation of the articles in the new Act.
