By Esther Onyegbula, LAGOS
In a major push to expand access to affordable healthcare, key stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have launched the Inclusive Health Insurance Enrolment Programme, IHIEP, targeting vulnerable populations across selected states.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation, GHCTF, in collaboration with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, PSHAN, aims to enrol indigent Nigerians in state-backed health insurance schemes while strengthening healthcare delivery across primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Executive Director and Board Member of GHCTF, Dr. Adebayo Akintobi, said the programme leverages the expertise of Nigerian doctors in the diaspora to build local capacity and improve outcomes.
“This initiative is put together by GHCTF in collaboration with PSHAN. Doctors in the diaspora are bringing their expertise back home to help build capacity among colleagues in secondary and teaching hospitals,” he said.
Akintobi disclosed that the foundation earlier conducted a medical outreach at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, where 79 surgeries were carried out.
“In addition, about 50 gastro-colonoscopies and endoscopies were conducted to screen for colon cancer. We also worked with medical personnel to build sustainable capacity,” he added.
Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said the programme would improve access for underserved groups.
“Currently, less than five per cent of Nigerians are enrolled in health insurance. I encourage citizens to enrol through their nearest centres,” she said.
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the initiative as timely.
“Access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege for a few but a fundamental right for all,” she said.
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