FG reviews N235bn health fund as high patient costs persist
The Federal Government is reviewing its N235bn health fund as high out-of-pocket medical expenses continue to affect Nigerian households, says the NHIA. Read More: https://punchng.com/fg-reviews-n235bn-health-fund-as-high-patient-costs-persist/
The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to evaluate the efficiency of its health financing system as patient out-of-pocket expenses persistently burden Nigerian households, despite the allocation of N235 billion via the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund over three years. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) disclosed this ahead of the inaugural Nigeria Health Financing Research & Learning Forum, set to commence on September 28.
The NHIA emphasized, "The Federal Government has also released N235bn through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund in the past three years, increasing the importance of ensuring that growing health investments deliver measurable results." They added that while health insurance coverage has risen above 23 million individuals, out-of-pocket expenditures remain significant, leaving many families exposed to hefty medical bills.
The two-day forum will convene policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and health financing experts from Nigeria and abroad to discuss how limited resources can be better utilized. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government's broader health reform program coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the leadership of Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
The forum, titled "Evidence and Learning for Nigeria's Health Financing Future: Building a Locally Led Research and Learning Ecosystem," will delve into how research and health data can inform practical financing decisions. Topics at the forum will include strengthening evidence-based decisions about treatments and services, optimizing healthcare provider payments, and identifying areas where limited resources can yield the most significant impact.
Experts such as Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Prof. John Ataguba, Prof. Justice Nonvignon, Prof. Chima Ariel Onoka, Dr. Girmaye Dinsa, Dr. Kheya Furtado, Dr. Yewande Ogundeji, and Dr. Kurfi Abubakar Muhammad are scheduled to participate. The ultimate goal is to enhance the use of evidence in health financing decisions, ensuring that increased spending leads to tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and offers better financial protection for Nigerians.
Written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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