750,000 Nigerians have reportedly enlisted in the National Health Insurance Scheme, according to the Federal Government.

This was revealed on Wednesday during the third ministerial press briefing in Abuja by Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

He announced that in the next two weeks, the administration of President Bola Tinubu will publish an extensive plan to digitize the country’s healthcare system.

In August 2024, Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim, the Special Advisor to the President on Health, declared that by 2027, the Federal Government would cover more than 50 million Nigerians, particularly older people and the vulnerable.

She promised that everyone in the nation would receive universal health coverage.

As part of its efforts to guarantee that every Nigerian has access to reasonably priced healthcare services, the FG released the operational guidelines for the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority Act in October 2023.

Facilitating the adoption of health insurance and guaranteeing that no Nigerian is left behind are the goals of the guidelines.

According to Pate, who spoke during the briefing, the government has made significant progress in raising the number of people covered by health insurance.

He said, “Recognising that financial barriers often deter individuals from seeking medical care, we have worked tirelessly to increase the accessibility and affordability of health insurance schemes.

“By supporting enrollment initiatives and streamlining administrative processes, we have extended coverage to millions of Nigerians, safeguarding them against the financial hardships associated with healthcare expenses.

“​Since the beginning of this administration, we have enrolled about 750,000 more Nigerians in health insurance. We remain committed to providing access to quality health for all Nigerians through the Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

“I am also pleased to announce a significant increase in patient attendance at federal tertiary hospitals, a testament to the improved quality of care and confidence in our healthcare system.

“Through targeted investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, we will enhance the capacity of these institutions to deliver specialised medical services and handle complex health conditions, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to world-class healthcare when needed.

“Our commitment to improving tertiary healthcare services is unwavering. Twelve tertiary hospitals and centrea have been earmarked for infrastructure development, including the establishment of oncology centres, radiology centres, and diagnostics facilities.

“These investments will enhance our capacity to provide specialized care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our people,”

“Digitalisation is poised to revolutionise healthcare delivery in Nigeria, and we are committed to embracing this transformation.

“Within the next two weeks, we will unveil a comprehensive program to digitize our healthcare system, streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving patient outcomes,” Pate stated.