Nigeria's Health Systems in Need of Overhaul, Says Health Insurance Authority Director-General

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria's ailing healthcare system is in dire need of overhaul, with high infant mortality rates, excessive out-of-pocket payments, and minimal economic returns posing significant challenges. According to Kelechi Ohiri, director-general of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), targeted equity reforms are necessary to address these issues and unlock the sector's full potential. Ohiri emphasized the need to enhance safety nets, build human capital, and improve healthcare quality, highlighting the NHIA's efforts in improving access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly 1 million Nigerians are pushed into poverty annually due to healthcare expenses, with over $2 billion spent on outbound medical tourism.
  • Over 97% of 20 million enrollees are now covered under health insurance, with significant benefits for vulnerable groups, including 3,000 women with fistula receiving free care and 5,000 pregnant women having their hospital bills covered.
  • Ohiri stressed the need to scale up investments in the healthcare sector to achieve wider coverage and equity reforms across the healthcare value chain.
  • He drew inspiration from global examples, such as Indonesia's focus on building human capital as a foundation for a resilient healthcare system.
  • The NHIA has made significant progress in improving access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups, but more needs to be done to address the sector's challenges.

Statistics:

  • Over $2 billion is spent on outbound medical tourism in Nigeria annually.
  • Nearly 1 million Nigerians are pushed into poverty annually due to healthcare expenses.
  • 97% of 20 million enrollees are now covered under health insurance.
  • 3,000 women with fistula have received free care through the NHIA's efforts.
  • 5,000 pregnant women have had their hospital bills covered by the NHIA.
  • Over 92% of Nigeria's infant mortality rates are attributed to preventable causes such as malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea.

Sources:

  • Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
  • BusinessDay CEO Forum, 2025 (No specific date mentioned)