FG expands health insurance by 15.7%, covers 19.4m Nigerians
By Kunle Sanni
The federal government says it has recorded a 15.7% increase in the number of Nigerians covered by health insurance, raising the figure from 16,797,451 to 19,440,516 between 2023 and December 2024.
This achievement was announced by Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council Meeting/Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja.
In a statement issued by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry, Dr. Salako described the progress as remarkable, noting that the government’s Presidential Priority Deliverables had set a target of 20% growth over four years, yet 15.7% has already been achieved in less than two years.
The minister also commended NARD for prioritizing leadership and entrepreneurial skills for doctors, emphasizing that these qualities are essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
He stressed that healthcare professionals must take on leadership roles beyond clinical service delivery to ensure a more efficient and financially sustainable system.
“As the healthcare landscape evolves, doctors must be equipped with the skills to lead, innovate, and adapt,” Dr. Salako said. “By combining leadership and entrepreneurship, doctors can help bridge the gap toward UHC, ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”
On the issue of industrial harmony, the minister urged resident doctors to enhance communication with their employers, assuring them of the government’s commitment to improving their welfare despite economic challenges.
NARD President, Dr. Zenith Tope Osundara, highlighted the challenges faced by resident doctors, stressing the need for strong leadership and business acumen to strengthen Nigeria’s health system. He called for a transformational approach to foster resilience and enhance healthcare delivery.
The event, themed “Empowering Doctors with Leadership and Entrepreneurial Skills: A Panacea for Universal Health Coverage and a Brighter Healthcare System,” brought together medical professionals and policymakers to strategize on improving Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
