Access to affordable quality healthcare is an acute concern for Nigerians, most of whom pay for medical expenses out of pocket.
Generally, insurance should help offset the costs, but not many Nigerians understand how health insurance works. This has resulted in low universal coverage over the years.
Nevertheless, the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency, or NASHIA, shows some progress.
Since launching in 2019, the health insurance programme has enrolled more than 308,000 residents, comprising both workers and students.
In addition to 260 accredited health facilities, the state insurance scheme offers multiple benefit packages to accommodate different population groups.
While adopting a digital framework to streamline operations, NASHIA hosts periodic town-hall meetings to obtain feedback from beneficiaries and health workers.
Nasarawa’s model resonates with an evolving trend to deepen universal health coverage across Nigerian states
Lagos, Enugu and Kano have also widened insurance coverage by targeting the informal market and providing subsidised healthcare for the vulnerable.
These state-backed initiatives also complement the National Health Insurance Authority by addressing the healthcare needs of those with limited federal health coverage.
For all its progress, challenges abound.
Issues related to service delivery, including delay, cooperation of those who deliver services, and the capability of facilities to deliver services, are still widespread, as reflected by grievances from healthcare providers and trade unions.
The low awareness and cost issues among the informal sectors also pose a challenge. Without adequate financing and effective monitoring and public sensitisation, the growth may stop short.
While 308,000 citizens represent only a fraction of Nasarawa’s total population, the feat charts a pathway of inclusive, digitalised and community-focused insurance.
Addressing remaining gaps in awareness, service quality and coverage will be critical to sustaining this progress, however.
Summary not available at this time.
