The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is expanding its reach to vulnerable populations in Cross River State, Nigeria, through a collaborative initiative with members of the National Assembly. This expansion leverages constituency projects to enroll individuals in the NHIA Group Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP), aiming to broaden healthcare access and move closer to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This strategic approach utilizes the resources and influence of elected officials to directly impact the well-being of their constituents, particularly those most in need.
The recent launch of an enrollment drive under the constituency project of Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani federal constituency, exemplifies this collaborative model. The program commenced at the Bassey Akiba Foundation in Calabar, signifying a localized and community-based approach to healthcare provision. Mr. Stanley Effah, the NHIA Cross River State Coordinator, lauded Akiba’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of ensuring healthcare access for all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status. This partnership underscores the NHIA’s commitment to achieving UHC by removing financial barriers to healthcare and promoting equitable access for everyone.
Effah’s address to prospective beneficiaries highlighted the fundamental right to healthcare, emphasizing that it should not be a privilege. He reiterated the mandatory nature of health insurance under NHIA law, designed to guarantee financial access to quality healthcare services. This legal framework provides a strong foundation for the expansion of health insurance coverage and reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring healthcare for all. The enrollment drive, targeting vulnerable individuals within the Calabar-Odukpani community, demonstrates a focused effort to reach those most likely to be excluded from healthcare services.
The phased enrollment plan, with an initial target of 150 individuals followed by an additional 2,000 by the second quarter of 2025, demonstrates a structured approach to expanding coverage. Mrs. Precious Esse, the Focal Person for the enrollment, outlined the phased strategy, indicating a commitment to sustainable growth and expansion of the program. This phased approach allows for effective management of the enrollment process and ensures that resources are allocated appropriately to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.
The NHIA’s collaborative model with National Assembly members extends beyond Akiba’s constituency. Effah also commended Godwin Offiono, representing Ogaja-Yala constituency, for his participation in the NHIA GIFSHIP constituency program. This highlights the potential for broader adoption of this model across different constituencies, further expanding the reach of health insurance coverage. Effah’s call for other senators and representatives in Cross River State to emulate Akiba and Offiono underscores the NHIA’s desire to create a statewide network of constituency-based health insurance programs.
This partnership between the NHIA and elected officials offers a promising pathway towards achieving UHC in Cross River State. By leveraging constituency projects, the NHIA can effectively target vulnerable populations and ensure they have access to essential healthcare services. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the healthcare system but also empowers communities by providing access to quality, affordable healthcare. The initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, for all citizens in Cross River State and serves as a potential model for other regions striving to achieve UHC.
