By ABUJAH RACHEAL

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has inaugurated the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

At the inauguration ceremony on Friday in Abuja, Pate charged the newly appointed members to sustain ongoing reforms and intensify efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Nigerians.

The minister highlighted the importance of building on the progress made over the past 18 months, including expanded access to health insurance, improved provider payments, and strengthened support for vulnerable groups.

“The Council brings together people of competence, experience, and integrity,” he said.

He noted that the Council Chairman, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, played a pivotal role in the passage of the NHIA Act and other key health legislation during his tenure in the National Assembly.

Pate also acknowledged significant milestones achieved under the leadership of NHIA Director-General, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, such as the increase in health insurance enrollees from 16.8 million in 2023 to more than 20 million in 2024.

Other achievements, he said included the provision of support to more than 2.6 million Nigerians through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), with more than 800,000 newly enrolled in 2025.

“Maternal health interventions reached more than 7,500 women through obstetric fistula repairs and emergency services across more than 200 facilities.

“HIV and TB services were also integrated into the NHIA benefits package for the first time in five pilot states.

“Additional milestones cited include the introduction of a one-hour referral code policy to reduce delays in service and the nationwide implementation of health insurance across all 36 states and the FCT.

“A major tariff review also increased capitation by 93 per cent and fee-for-service payments by 378 per cent, while more than 80 per cent of beneficiary complaints were resolved in 2024, a 21 per cent improvement in responsiveness,” he said.

In his remarks, Oloriegbe reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening health financing systems, noting that the NHIA Act was among four critical bills he sponsored during his time in the Senate.

Others, he said included the Mental Health Act and the establishment of a neuropsychiatric hospital in Kwara State.

“We are committed to delivering on this mandate with diligence and transparency,” he assured.

Ohiri also emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing UHC.

“Government alone cannot build the health system we envision. We need collaboration with the private sector, development partners, and communities to create a resilient, inclusive, and equitable system,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the inauguration of the new Council, stakeholders believe the NHIA is now better positioned to drive health reforms.

This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises accessible and efficient healthcare delivery for all Nigerians. (NAN)