Experts call for private sector-led universal health coverage in Nigeria

NIGERIA—Nigerian experts and stakeholders have stressed the importance of the private sector’s contribution to the provision of health insurance as vital for attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.

The private sector accounts for over 60 percent of healthcare service delivery.  

At the 2024 Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) annual conference in Lagos, experts highlighted the potential of expanding the private sector’s involvement in healthcare delivery. 

They suggested that this expansion could lead to more affordable and high-quality healthcare options for Nigerians, offering a hopeful vision for the future of the country’s healthcare system.

According to Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), “90 percent of essential UHC interventions can be delivered through primary healthcare centers, potentially saving 60 million lives and increasing global life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030. 

‘’Given the government’s limited capacity and competing challenges, the private health sector must be leveraged to unlock innovation and resources for UHC, especially via private healthcare involvement, policies favouring and inspiring PPPs, collaborating with digital healthcare delivery and tech integrating organisations.”

Nicole Spieker, CEO of PharmAccess Foundation, noted that healthcare insurance should be seen as a social business that requires collaboration between public and private sectors.

She urged stakeholders to explore ways to involve businesses and banks in healthcare investment, pointing out that technology can potentially promote UHC in Nigeria.

“Private health insurers need capital to expand, and the use of technology can create services for lower-income groups,” Spieker said.

Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO of PSHAN, highlighted the conference’s objective, noting that PSHAN plays a vital role in promoting private sector involvement in healthcare delivery, considering its contribution to over 60 percent of Nigeria’s healthcare service delivery. 

Dr. Akinbolagbe emphasized that the private sector currently provides more than 70 percent of healthcare in Nigeria, necessitating their active participation in achieving UHC.

IyadunniOlubode, Director of Nigeria Programmes for MSD, emphasized that 60 percent of Nigerians access healthcare through the private sector. 

She stressed that collaboration between the public and private sectors in a mixed health system is not only beneficial but necessary to achieve UHC in Nigeria. 

She added that the private sector needs access to financing to deliver the desired healthcare, just as citizens need financing on the demand side.

The 2024 PSHAN Annual Conference successfully facilitated dialogue, promoted collaboration, and drove innovation in the healthcare sector. 

By bringing together leaders and experts, PSHAN aims to create a conducive environment for developing actionable strategies to significantly impact Nigeria’s healthcare system and its journey towards universal health coverage. 

The alliance remains committed to leveraging private sector resources and expertise to improve health outcomes across Nigeria.

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