CSJ has urged Federal Government to ensure the effective implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act to reduce out-of-pocket health expenses, and boost the growth of the health sector.
At a workshop on “Innovative and Alternative Funding of the
Health Sector” held in Abuja, CSJ’s lead director, Eze Onyekpere, led the
charge in addressing rising inflation, the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange
rate unification, poor funding, and the urgent need for the full implementation
of the National Health Insurance Authority Act.
Proposing a comprehensive set of recommendations, CSJ asked
for a revolution of the healthcare landscape, ensuring better access and
quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
The workshop was part of the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID)-funded “Strengthening Civic Advocacy and
Local Engagement” programme, implemented by CSJ.
The project is aimed at enhancing respect for existing laws
and policies while promoting transparency and accountability in public health
sector expenditures.
In the face of these challenges, the health sector was urged
to make demands to ensure resources keep pace with inflation and to take
advantage of new funding opportunities.
According to Onyekpere: “Implementing the National Health
Insurance Authority Act is vital for reducing high out-of-pocket health
expenses in Nigeria. Universal Health Coverage is the goal, and NHIA will play
a key role. The Basic Health Care Provision Fund needs better utilisation and
transparency. We must dedicate more funds for service delivery to benefit the
poorest of the poor.”
Workshop participants called for increased resources for
social health insurance to cover vulnerable populations, as well as optimising
the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and ensuring transparency in its
management.
Executive Secretary, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), Frank Muonemeh, said the
pharmaceutical manufacturers were working with the National Health Insurance
Authority (NHIA) to ensure essential medicines are made available to citizens
under health insurance but called on government to show more political will and
commitment to addressing the health challenges faced by the citizenry.
The workshop also emphasised the importance of implementing
the National Health Insurance Authority Act and establishing a Health
Development Bank of Nigeria with a focus on health infrastructure and equipment
funding. It also highlighted the urgency of improving human resources for
health and addressing the brain drain phenomenon in the sector.
To enhance transparency and accountability, calls were made
for the Minister of Health to prepare and present an annual report on the state
of health to the President and National Assembly. Additionally, transparency in
the management of the BHCPF was stressed, with a call for regular publications
and public access to information.
The workshop emphasised the need for collaboration between
various stakeholders, including civil society, donors, and the National Council
on Health, to introduce peer review and benchmarking exercises focused on
strategic targets in the health sector.
Participants at the workshop provided a set of recommendations
to address the critical challenges and improve funding in the health sector.
They highlighted the importance of innovative funding solutions, accountability
measures, and strategic investments in health infrastructure and human
resources to achieve the right to health for all Nigerians.
The outcome of the workshop is expected to inform policy
decisions and pave the way for a more robust and sustainable healthcare system
in Nigeria.
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