- SGF Akume to issue circular
President Bola Tinubu has directed that a service-wide circular be issued to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the effective implementation of mandatory health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.
This is as the President also emphasized the need for further, closer, and constructive engagement with the Private Sector on the Act to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is expected to communicate the new directive which covers five key areas for implementation.
Firstly, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health insurance plan. Where desired, MDAs may take up supplementary private insurance coverage in accordance with the NHIA Act.
Also, all entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation.
This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition precedent for continuing any procurement-related engagement.
The presidential directive also compels all MDAs to require applicants to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.
Importantly too, the NHIA will establish a digital platform to enable easy verification of Health Insurance Certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
Finally, the directive compels all MDAs to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of the submitted Health Insurance Certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.
The statement explained that 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.
The NHIA Act, 2022, stipulates compulsory health insurance for Nigerians and mandates NHIA to ensure health coverage for all persons in Nigeria and undertake necessary measures to achieve its objectives.
However, despite recent progress recorded in the health sector, national health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low three years after the Act came into existence.
