Title:
Attaining universal health coverage in nigeria using the national health insurance scheme
Authors:
Uche, Catherine
Year:
2016
PAGE:
x, 52
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Nigeria, National Health Insurance Scheme, Universal Health Coverage, Health Financing, Community Based Health Insurance, Health Financing
Abstract:
Background: The Federal Government of Nigeria instituted the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2005 with an aim to remove financial impediments to healthcare for the Nigerian population and assist in attaining Universal Health Coverage. More than one decade on, the scheme is faced with several challenges making it largely infective with just about 5% of the population enrolled on the scheme. Objective: To review the National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria and compare its functionalities to neighbouring countries; in order to offer strategies and make recommendations that will help it achieve UHC through effective and adequate health insurance. Methodology: A review of literature was conducted using studies from peer reviewed journals on the subject of National Health Insurance Scheme within the context of Nigeria. The WHO OASIS framework was used to analyse the findings. Findings: Government’s budgetary allocation to the health sector is low while health insurance coverage for the Nigerian population is significantly low. Less than 5% of the population is covered by the National Health Insurance, mainly in the formal sector. Out-of-pocket payments for healthcare is significantly high with the potential for catastrophic health expenditures. Conclusion: Nigeria’s inability to meet targets set for achieving universal health coverage is due to inadequate funding for the health sector, challenges faced by the National Health Insurance Scheme, human resource and infrastructural challenges and insufficient stakeholder engagement Recommendations: Government should strengthen its commitment towards health by increasing budgetary allocation to health to at least 15% recommended. Health Insurance should be made compulsory for all citizens while innovative revenue generation
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Country:
Nigeria
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2016 Uche
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
hTDSJc5SEg_2017042410592646.pdf