The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to sustainable health financing as a basis for achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
Speaking in an event about the future of national financing, organized by the Federal Ministry of Social Health and Welfare and other partners out of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), Dr. Salako highlighted Nigeria's progress in the implementation of innovative and inclusive health reforms.
He said: “Nigeria is adopting an approach to the entire sector (exchange) to align interested parties for a better resource allocation, strengthening of the workforce and decision -making based on evidence.”
“The Basic Fund for Medical Care Provices (BHCPF) has been reorganized to be more transparent and timely in the release of funds for essential services, primary medical care infrastructure and emergency treatment.”
“The Law of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) 2022 is being implemented diligently, with an increase of 15% in the health insurance subscription for two years.”
“In addition, Nigeria is considering innovative financing mechanisms, including telecommunications and encumbrances of sugar -sweetened drinks, public health taxes on tobacco and alcohol, health trust funds and health impact bonds.”
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“Nigeria has demonstrated leadership in the continental and global defense of the sustainable national investment in health by sponsoring a resolution to strengthen health financing worldwide on WHA78, presiding over consultations for resolution between 194 WHO Member States, and mobilize Member States to reaffirm WHO in health financing.”
Salako reiterated Nigeria's approach in strengthening the implementation of NHIA's law, expanding the fiscal health space, increasing the implementation of digital technology and creating solid mechanisms for responsibility.
He invited the continuous association and the exchange of knowledge throughout the global health community to collectively advance in sustainable health financing and guarantee equitable access to quality medical care for all.
“We invite the continuous association and the exchange of knowledge throughout the global health community to collectively advance in sustainable health financing and guarantee equitable access to quality medical care for all,” he said.
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