NHIA Reports Over 19 Million Nigerians Enrolled in Health Insurance

• The National Health Insurance Authority announced that approximately 19.2 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance, marking a 14% increase
• NHIA Director General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri highlighted key reforms, including a free obstetric fistula program and increased capitation rates for healthcare providers

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that approximately 19.2 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance, reflecting a 14% increase from the 16.7 million enrollees recorded less than a year ago.

Speaking at a media interactive session in Abuja on Wednesday, NHIA Director General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri attributed this growth to reforms initiated under the NHIA Act, passed in 2022. Before the act, health insurance coverage had stagnated at 7%.

Dr. Ohiri highlighted several key reforms implemented in the past year, including launching a free obstetric fistula program, reviewing tariffs, adjustments to the basic minimum benefit package, and decentralization efforts.

The obstetric fistula program, supported by 22 hospitals, has already treated over 1,000 women. Additionally, NHIA increased capitation by 60% and service fees by 40%.

The agency also conducted actuarial studies to align with industry best practices, ensuring the benefit package meets Nigerians’ needs comprehensively.

Dr. Ohiri further noted that NHIA is working on integrating treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, and malnutrition into its benefit package.

This approach aims to address the prevalence of these health issues and reduce fragmentation in healthcare services.

Looking ahead, the NHIA targets surpassing 20 million enrollees by 2025. The agency also plans to expand the obstetric fistula program, include retirees in its coverage, and focus on providing quality care for vulnerable groups.

“Our focus next year will be on vulnerable groups to realize our equity mandate,” Dr. Ohiri said. “We will also ensure quality care through proper tariffs, quality assessments, complaint resolution, and collaboration within the sector to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and sustainable.”

Dr. Adebayo Abdulhamid, NHIA’s Director of Enforcement, disclosed that the agency’s enforcement department received 2,591 complaints, with 1,678 involving healthcare facilities and 913 related to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). He added that 85% of these complaints were resolved within the stipulated timeline.