KEY POINTS

• The National Health Insurance Authority helps Nigerians access essential health services.

• Maternal and child health programs reduce death rates nationwide.

• Several states offer free services through local healthcare initiatives.

For many Nigerians, access to reasonably priced healthcare continues to be one of their top priorities. The Nigerian government has put in place a number of health programs to provide access to high-quality medical treatment, even though private healthcare is sometimes costly and unaffordable for those with low incomes. These programs address a variety of needs, including free treatment for certain illnesses, health insurance, and maternal and child health.

Nigerians should be aware of the following five important government health programs

1. Authority for national health insurance (NHIA)

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), formerly known as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), was founded to guarantee that all Nigerians, irrespective of their social or economic standing, have access to quality healthcare services. Essential medical services like general care, maternity, surgeries, consultations, and prescription drugs are covered by this program. Employees in the public and private sectors as well as those who choose to voluntarily enroll through its Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Program (GIFSHIP) can access it. Because the NHIA distributes the expense of care across a number of contributors, it significantly lessens the financial burden associated with medical costs.

2. The BHCPF, or basic health care provision fund

The National Health Act of 2014 established the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). It is intended to guarantee that all Nigerians, especially the weak and impoverished, have access to basic healthcare services. Pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and the poor are the main targets of the BHCPF, which is delivered at primary health care facilities around the country. In order to guarantee the steady supply of personnel, medications, and essential medical supplies, the funds from this program are sent straight to primary health clinics. This program makes healthcare more accessible to those living in rural areas, who frequently do not have access to clinics and hospitals.

3. MCH, or the Maternal and Child Health Program

Nigeria’s high rates of infant and maternal mortality prompted the introduction of the Maternal and Child Health Programme (MCH). It guarantees access to safe birth services, prenatal care, and postnatal checks for expectant mothers. Additionally, the program encompasses community engagement initiatives like public health campaigns, nutrition education, and vaccinations. Even the most economically challenged communities can get these services since many state governments collaborate with the federal plan to offer them for free. In order to support the survival and general well-being of mothers and young children nationwide, the MCH program is essential.

4. SOML-PforR: Saving one million lives program for results

In collaboration with the World Bank, the Saving One Million Lives Program for Results (SOML-PforR) was introduced. Its objective is to scale up initiatives that have been shown to dramatically lower death rates, particularly for women and children. HIV prevention and treatment, nutrition, vaccination, malaria control, maternity and child health, and access to necessary medications are the program’s six main areas of concentration. The performance-based funding mechanism of SOML-PforR, which incentivizes states to attain particular health outcomes, is a noteworthy aspect of the program. This concept encourages governments to take charge of their health systems and enhances accountability.

5. Free medical care for particular populations

Many state governments implement targeted health programs that give free or subsidized healthcare for particular groups in addition to federal programs. For instance, pregnant women and children under five are covered for free by the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS). Comprehensive maternity and pediatric care is provided by Kano State’s Free Maternal and Child Health Program. In order to provide people of distant communities with healthcare consultations, Abia State launched a Telehealth Initiative that makes use of mobile technologies. These state-level initiatives promote the national objective of universal health coverage and aid in bridging the access gap to high-quality care.

Conclusion

Millions of Nigerians’ lives are being significantly improved by these government health programs, despite ongoing obstacles with regard to awareness, money, and continuous implementation. For families who could not otherwise receive the essential medical care, they are offering a lifeline. Examining these programs may enable you to obtain healthcare services without experiencing financial hardship, regardless of your age—young professionals, mothers, senior citizens, or small business owners. It’s critical to be informed and make use of these initiatives aimed at advancing national health and welfare.