Two medical experts on Monday called for the interventions of the Public Private Partnerships and wealthy individuals in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
A Consultant Oncologist, Dr. Ntekim Atara, and a Health Financing Officer, Dr. Francis Ukwuije, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos in commemoration of UHC Day marked every December 12.
NAN reports that it is the anniversary of the first unanimous United Nations resolution calling for countries to provide affordable, quality healthcare to every person everywhere.
UHC means everyone can access the quality healthcare services they need without financial hardship.
Atara, a lecturer at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, said that philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians should be encouraged to key into UHC.
Atara said: “I think based on our experiences, we have been pushing things to the government all along, but it cannot do everything.
“The private sector, individuals and philanthropists should be encouraged to come in.
“Though, government can provide the policy framework, people should be
able to undertake, either set up health centre and make it free or render subsidised services.
“And, there should be incentives for them so that they can cover these things appropriately.”
The consultant oncologist said that associations and professional bodies should also organise health programmes for their members.
He said: “Instead of these associations raising money for issues that are not too important, they can use the money for health needs of their members.
“Women associations and other unions should set aside money and plan for welfare of their members.”
Also, Ukwuije said that mandatory health insurance and subsidies were key to attainment of UHC.
Ukwuije, the Head, Healthcare Financing Equity and Investment, Federal Ministry of Health, said that the starting point for achieving UHC requires the attention of governments at all levels.
Ukwuije said: “Government should show commitment to ensure that every Nigerian has a financial access to healthcare services through the mandatory health insurance scheme and other financial risk protection mechanisms.
“It should ensure that all employers in the formal, informal and organised private sector cover their employees with mandatory health insurance scheme.”
The expert said achieving UHC would also require good leadership, health services, workforce, information system and health financing system.
He said: “Good healthcare services include quality and unhindered access without which we cannot achieve UHC.
“We need a well performing health workforce that consists of good human resource management, skills and policies.
“A well performing health information system will ensure production, analysis, dissemination and the use of timely and reliable information.
“A good health financing system will raise adequate funds for healthcare and ensure access to quality healthcare, regardless of ability to pay.”
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