The Federal Government is kick-starting compulsory and quality health insurance for 92 million vulnerable Nigerians.
Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, made the disclosure when a delegation from World Health Organisation (WHO), led by the Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo Kazadi, paid him a courtesy visit, yesterday, in Abuja.
He said the signing into law of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari signals a new lease of life to the sector and accessibility of universal health coverage by the vulnerable in every nook and crannies of Nigeria.
The SGF commended the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its technical and financial support that assisted the most populous black nation in effectively fighting COVID-19.
Mustapha explained that one of the multiplier effects of treating sicknesses was impoverishment of the affected families manifest in the out-of-pocket expenses during the course of treatment.
He noted that with the signing of National Health Insurance Authority, it would reduce poverty and improve the economic wellbeing of Nigerians.
Earlier, NHIA’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Mohammed Nasir Sambo, said the presidential assent had put Nigeria on a journey of attaining universal health of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Kazadi, on his part, congratulated President Buhari for signing into law the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA), which would make healthcare services accessible to the vulnerable in the society and by extension, improve the health and economic statuses of Nigerians.
