We need N3trn to insure health for Nigerians – NHIS

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has assured that with N3 trillion budget set aside every year, it would provide health insurance to about 200 million Nigerians.

The Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof Mohammed Sambo, made this known while responding to questions on the sufficiency of funding for the scheme.

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He said with sufficient funds in the health insurance pool, the scheme would expand its benefit package to include medical conditions such as cancer, which is currently excluded.

Prof Sambo said the establishment of a catastrophic fund was being planned to specifically address terminal ailments, while giving details of efforts to expand coverage to all the segments of the society.

He also disclosed that all processes to enroll members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into the scheme had been finalised and coverage would be commenced with the release of funds by the government for that purpose. He added that plans to extend health insurance cover to the elderly and retirees had reached an advanced stage.