In a significant move to expand health coverage and safeguard workers, President Bola Tinubu has directed the federal ministries, departments, and agencies to implement health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.
To this end, he has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a circular mandating them to implement health insurance scheme without further delay.
This directive aims to ensure that all MDAs enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority plan, with the option to take up supplementary private insurance coverage.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy said in a statement on Wednesday: “The Presidential directive aims to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures and promote accountability in public and private sector engagements.”
Persecondnews reports that the Presidential directive outlines five key areas of focus for MDAs.
Firstly, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance plan, with the option to take up supplementary private insurance coverage.
“Additionally, entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation. MDAs are also required to demand valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals,” the statement said.
Onanuga noted that to ensure transparency and accessibility, the NHIA will establish a digital platform to enable easy verification of Health Insurance Certificates.
“Furthermore, MDAs will work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of submitted Health Insurance Certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.”
By leveraging the NHIA Act, 2022, the government seeks to ensure health coverage for all persons in Nigeria and undertake necessary measures to achieve its objectives.
The presidential directive is expected to significantly boost healthcare coverage and safeguard workers’ well-being.
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