HCPAN Call for Nigerian Government to Bolster Health Insurance Funding | ClipTV Online

The Nigerian government has been urged to demonstrate strong political will to prevent the nation’s healthcare from falling into jeopardy by adequately funding its health insurance for the benefit of the masses.

Pharm. Abiola Paul Ozieh, Chairman of Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), Lagos Chapter, highlighted this need during the 2024 Lagos Afrihealth Conference and Exhibition held at the Airport Hotel Ikeja. He emphasized the importance of public and government collaboration to achieve this goal.

Dr. Chijioke Mbelu, Founder and Executive Director of Afrihealth Development Foundation, underscored the organization’s commitment to addressing pressing healthcare issues. Speaking at the conference themed “The Biggest Health Care Entrepreneurship Event in Nigeria,” Dr. Mbelu emphasized that Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions are held not only in Lagos but also in Rivers State and Abuja, with Lagos being the headquarters for healthcare practitioners.

Despite heavy downpour, the opening ceremony saw significant attendance and success. Dr. Mbelu called on the government to address financial challenges in healthcare, which severely impact patients and accessibility to services.

Mr. Celestine Christian, Chairman of the Equipment Devices Association of Nigeria and Managing Director of Obi Nigeria Limited, appealed for an emergency declaration in the healthcare sector to reduce the high cost of services. He advocated for robust funding of the Health Insurance Scheme to ensure vulnerable populations can access necessary healthcare.

Mr. Christian proposed that a communiqué from the conference be presented to the Nigerian Presidency to secure urgent attention for the healthcare sector. He also highlighted his company’s commitment to providing essential medical supplies and equipment.

Dr. Gideon Anumba, Head of Operations at Leadway Health, called for proactive government measures to make healthcare accessible and affordable, praising the organizers for uniting healthcare practitioners to address these critical issues.

Dr. Femi Ogun Remi, CEO of Menitu Healthcare Ltd, provided interactive insights on cardiovascular resuscitation and basic life support, emphasizing the importance of quick intervention to prevent sudden deaths.

Panelist Dr. Jimi Arigbabuwo discussed health insurance as a tool for universal coverage, comparing Nigerian practices with those in the UK and Finland. He stressed the importance of trust and fund management in sustaining health insurance systems.

Former Akwa Ibom Health Commissioner Prof. Emem Bassey pointed out that the 4.3 trillion naira allocated to the health sector is insufficient to address all issues, especially amid currency depreciation. He highlighted the need for formalizing and adequately funding the public health system.

The conference concluded with a strong call for the government to take decisive action in funding and supporting the healthcare sector to ensure accessible and affordable health services for all Nigerians.