National Health Insurance Scheme See Types, Benefits, Roles, Etc.
– National Health Insurance Scheme –
Do you want to learn more about the National Health Insurance Scheme? Do you understand what the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) entails?
So, in this essay, you will learn everything there is to know about NHIS.
The NHIS was established under Act 35 of the 1999 Constitution by the Federal Government of Nigeria. And it aims to improve the health of all Nigerians at an affordable cost.
What is National Health Insurance Scheme?
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a corporate body. Also, the NHIS was established under Act 35 of the 1999 Constitution by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Also, NHIS is to provide social health insurance in Nigeria.
It focuses on where health care services of contributors are paid from the common pool of funds contributed by the participants of the Scheme.
In other words, note. It is a pre-payment plan. And participants pay a fixed regular amount.
The amount/funds are pooled. Thus, allowing the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to pay for those needing medical attention.
Furthermore, the aim of the NHIS is to improve the health of all Nigerians at an affordable cost.
What is Health Insurance?
Health Insurance is a social security system. And it guarantees the provision of needed health services to people. However, this is on the payment of token contributions at regular intervals.
Visions of National Health Insurance Scheme
It is totally committed to securing universal coverage and access to adequate and affordable health care. Additionally, it is in order to improve the health status of Nigerians.
Also, basically, it focuses on those participating in the various programmes/products of the Scheme. And this scheme has A strong, dynamic and responsive government parastatal (agency).
Missions of National Health Insurance Scheme
It is on a mission to facilitate fair financing of health care costs. And this is through pooling and judicious utilization of financial resources.
Furthermore, it aims to provide financial risk protection. And it aims to provide cost burden-sharing for people. This is against the high cost of health care.
All these are done through various prepayment programmes/products prior to people falling ill.
It is primarily a risk-sharing arrangement that can improve resource mobilization and equity. It is indeed regarded as the most widely used form of health care financing worldwide.
Objectives of National Health Insurance Scheme
The following are some of the objectives of the NHIS:
1. It aims to ensure that every Nigerian has access to good health care services.
2. Also, it aims to protect families from the financial hardship of huge medical bills.
3. Furthermore, it aims to limit the rise in the cost of health care services.
4. Additionally, it aims to ensure equitable distribution of health care costs. And this is among different income groups.
5. NHIS also regulate private health Insurance operated by HMOs.
NHIS’s Mandate
The following are some of the mandates of NHIS:
1. To ensure Nigerians have easy access to healthcare.
2. Also, to ensure Universal Health Coverage.
3. Additionally, to regulate and Manage all stakeholders of the scheme.
For more information about the above CLICK HERE
Contact Details
Head Office: Plot 297, Shehu Yar’adua Way, Utako District, Abuja. Nigeria. Abuja Annex Office: 6 fria Close, Off Adetokunbo Ademola way, Wuse II Abuja. Cel Phone:
0805-928-2008
Quick Links of National Health Insurance Scheme
Some Programmes Under National Health Insurance Scheme
NHIS has developed various programmes to cover different segments of society. And this in order to ensure that every Nigerian has access to good health care services.
Some of these programmes are categories under the following sectors:
1. Formal Sector
Under this sector we have:
Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme.
Also, there is Mobile Health Programme.
Additionally, there are Vital Contributors Social Health Insurance Programmes
2. Informal Sector
Under this sector we have:
Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Programmes.
Also, there is Community-Based Social Health Insurance Programmes.
Additionally, there is Public-Private Partnership Social Health Insurance Programmes.
3. Vulnerable Group
Under this sector we have:
Pregnant Women Programme.
Also, there are Children Under-five Programme.
Furthermore, there is Prison Inmates Programme.
Again, there is the Retirees Programme.
Additionally, there is Aged People Programme.
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Some Types of National Health Insurance Scheme
Below are some types of NHIS:
1. Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme
Here the health care of employees in the Formal Sector is paid from funds pooled through the contributions of employees and employers.
And this sector consists of, the Public Sector, Organized Private Sector, Armed Forces, Police, and other Uniformed Services.
2. Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Programme
Here the health care of students in tertiary institutions is paid from funds pooled through the contributions of students. Also, it is a Programme committed to ensuring access to quality healthcare service.
Additionally, this is for students of tertiary institutions thereby promoting the health of students to enable a conducive learning environment.
3. Voluntary Contributor Social Health Insurance Programme
This is health insurance that is taken up and paid for. And it is at the discretion of willing individuals. Or at the discretion of employers on behalf of employees in organizations with less than 10 staff.
Also, it is a Programme designed for those who are not currently covered by any of the NHIS programmes
In a nutshell, please note. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a combination of both compulsory and voluntary contributory health insurance schemes.
And it is targeted at formal sector workers as well as informal sector workers.
Also, it aims to ensure access to quality health care services. And it aims to provide financial risk protection. Also, it aims to reduce the rising cost of health care services and ensure efficiency in health care.
You can learn more about this HERE.
Although formally established in 1999, Nigeria only launched the NHIS in 2005. This is after several attempts at introducing legislation on health insurance, since the 1960s.
And since its launch over a decade ago, note. NHIS is yet to achieve the aim for which it was established.
Finally, what’s your take on this? Share with us in the comment section. However, please share this post with friends and relations using the share button below.
CSN Team.
