Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The NHIA health coverage programme is expanding as the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) intensifies targeted health financing initiatives to improve access to healthcare for millions of vulnerable Nigerians and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the authority says the interventions are designed to reduce the financial burden of medical treatment for low-income households, women, children, older persons and other underserved populations.
The NHIA identifies the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s strategy to strengthen primary healthcare and expand access to essential health services across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the authority, achieving Universal Health Coverage requires more than increasing enrollment in health insurance schemes, stressing that the goal is to build an equitable healthcare system where vulnerable citizens are not left behind.
The agency says the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund delivers the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services for poor households, pregnant women, children under five, older persons, internally displaced persons and other underserved groups.
It adds that funding is also being provided for Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care to support women experiencing pregnancy-related complications and newborns requiring urgent medical attention.
The NHIA further highlights its Fistula-Free Programme, which provides treatment and rehabilitation for women living with obstetric fistula, alongside Global Fund-supported programmes that extend healthcare services to people living with HIV, tuberculosis patients and other vulnerable populations.
The agency notes that ongoing healthcare reforms implemented through the NHIA, BHCPF and NHSRII are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system while ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians receive essential medical care without financial hardship.
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Korede Abdullah 