The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to providing quality health care services to Nigerians, particularly the Retirees and Elderly across the country, through the provision of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Dr. Ehanire made this assertion at the formal presentation of the second Report of the Ministerial Committee for the Provision of NHIS to Retirees and Elderly, Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 in Abuja.
The Minister also revealed that the initiative was part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategies for attaining the Universal Health Coverage.
His words: “Your committee was inaugurated as part of Mr. President’s commitment to improving the quality of care of the Elderly through provision of health insurance…
“I am glad to tell you that as a country, Nigeria is a signatory to several global initiatives and committed to the health and development of her citizens. As a ministry, we have the mandate to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all Nigerians. The inclusion of elderly in NHIS is in accordance with our vision to attain Universal Health Coverage that is “Leaving No One Behind”.
While applauding the Committee for a job well done, the Minister assured that the recommendations will be carefully studied and implemented.
In his presentation, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for the Provision of National Health Insurance Scheme to the Retirees and Elderly, Mr. Linus Awute, said that achieving universal health coverage for the Senior Citizens require innovation and political will, adding that the Committee had done due diligence in putting the Report together.
“So, the committee has been able to establish the template and anchor it on the principle of equity and justice, and if implemented it will require a lot of political will to be able to look at various recommendations and to be able to factor such recommendations into the program towards effective implementation,” he said.
On her part, the Secretary of the Committee, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas noted that people tend to be more vulnerable to health challenges as they grow older, thus requiring quality health services. She also noted with disappointment that these services are often not accessible to them, which is why the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health had to step in with the provision of NHIS for the Retirees and Elderly, to ensure that no one is left behind.
She added that for these group of people who have contributed so much to national development, the programme guarantees quality health care and access to basic amenities at no cost to them, thereby prolonging their lives.
Highlight of the event include detailed analysis and presentation of the Report by the Head of Technical Working Group of the Committee, Dr. Eke Jonathan.
Blessing Egbo
Signed:
Ahmadu A.A. Chindaya
Head Media & Public Relations
