FG reviews impact of N235bn health fund

The Federal Government is intensifying its efforts to evaluate the impact of the N235bn allocated to healthcare financing over the past three years, amid concerns that out-of-pocket medical expenses remain a significant burden for Nigerian households. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) revealed these details in a statement issued ahead of the inaugural Nigeria Health Financing Research & Learning Forum, scheduled to commence on Monday, September 28.

The NHIA highlighted that while the government has released N235bn through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, health insurance enrollment has reached over 23 million individuals. However, the increase in coverage has not alleviated the financial strain experienced by many patients. The forum, themed "Evidence and Learning for Nigeria’s Health Financing Future: Building a Locally Led Research and Learning Ecosystem," aims to bring together key stakeholders to address gaps in knowledge and enhance the allocation of limited resources for better health outcomes.

It will explore how research and data can inform financing decisions, improve healthcare provider payment systems, and identify areas where investments can yield the most significant benefits. The forum's participants include experts from Nigeria and other nations, such as Dr. Kelechi Ohiri (NHIA Director-General), Prof. John Ataguba (Canada Research Chair in Health Economics), and Dr. Yewande Ogundeji (Managing Principal, HSDF & Health Economist).

The overall objective is to ensure that health expenditure translates into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and provides greater financial protection for Nigerian citizens.