President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a circular in all service to all ministries, extraministerial departments and agencies (MDA) on the implementation of compulsory health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Law, 2022.
Tinubu also requested a closer, closer and more constructive commitment with the private sector in the law to ensure that companies are not improperly limited.
A statement issued by the special advisor to the President on Information and Strategy declared that the President of the President covers five key areas.
“First, all MDAs must register their employees in the Health Insurance Plan of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). When desired, the MDA can assume the complementary private insurance coverage in accordance with the NHIA Law.
“All entities that participate in public procurement must present a valid health insurance certificate issued by NHIA as part of their eligibility documentation.
“This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition of condition to continue any commitment related to acquisition.
“The Presidential Directive also forces all MDA to demand applicants to present valid NHIA health insurance certificates as a previous condition to issue and renew licenses, permits and other official approvals,” the statement revealed.
According to the Directive, the NHIA will establish a digital platform to allow the easy verification of health insurance certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
Finally, the Directive forces all MDA to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of the health insurance certificates presented and guarantee constant compliance monitoring.
The presidential directive aims to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce pocket health expenses and promote responsibility for public and private sector commitments.
NHIA’s law, 2022, stipulates mandatory health insurance for Nigerians and requires NHIA to guarantee health coverage for all people in Nigeria and make the necessary measures to achieve their objectives.
Three years after the law was promulgated, national health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low despite recent progress in the health sector.
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