Nigeria reviews N235bn health fund amid high patient costs

The Nigerian Federal Government is reviewing the effectiveness of its health financing as households continue to face high out-of-pocket medical expenses. Despite the release of N235bn through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund over the last three years, many families remain exposed to heavy medical bills.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) reported that while health insurance enrolment has surpassed 23 million, the expansion of coverage has not yet eliminated the financial burden on patients.

To address these challenges, the inaugural Nigeria Health Financing Research & Learning Forum will convene policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. The forum aims to examine how limited resources can be deployed more effectively, focusing on evidence-based funding for treatments, provider payment methods, and maximizing the impact of health investments. This initiative is part of a broader health reform programme coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.