Tinubu orders mandatory health Insurance for MDAs to boost healthcare coverage
By Samuel Ogunsona
President Bola Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement mandatory health insurance for their employees, in line with the National Health Insurance Act of 2022.
This move aims to expand health coverage, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and promote accountability in both public and private sectors.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the directive focuses on five key areas designed to improve healthcare coverage and reduce financial burdens on individuals.
All MDAs are required to enroll their employees under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health insurance plan, with an option for supplementary private coverage.
The presidential directive also mandates that entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation.
This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition precedent for continuing any procurement-related engagement.
MDAs must require applicants to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates before issuing or renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.
To enhance transparency and ease of verification, the NHIA will develop a digital platform for authenticating Health Insurance Certificates.
The directive further compels all MDAs to collaborate with the NHIA in developing internal procedures to verify the authenticity of certificates and ensure continuous compliance monitoring.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue with the private sector to ensure businesses are not unduly burdened by compliance requirements.
This move seeks to address the alarmingly low national health insurance coverage in Nigeria, which remains below 10% of the population despite the NHIA Act being enacted three years ago.
Implementing the mandatory health insurance, the government aims to safeguard workers, reduce financial burdens on individuals, and promote accountability in the healthcare system.
The NHIA Act, 2022, stipulates compulsory health insurance for all Nigerians and mandates the NHIA to ensure health coverage for all persons in Nigeria and undertake necessary measures to achieve its objectives.
With this directive, the government is taking a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage and improving the overall well-being of Nigerians.
