Experts task government on universal health coverage

Experts have urged government at all levels to adopt strategies for adequate funding of the health sector in order to ensure Universal Health Coverage in the country.

Universal Health Coverage involves ensuring that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardships.

They made the call during the National Health Dialogue in Abuja organized by the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH), Project Pink Blue, Premium Times and with supported from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Speaking separately, the experts said there was need to minimize inequity and inefficiency so that people who could not afford healthcare services would still have access to it.

Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, Chair, Board of Trustees of Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) said to achieve Universal Health Coverage, every child should have access to vaccination, nutrition, and basic healthcare, adding that pregnant women should also have access to antenatal care, drugs and postnatal care after delivery, among others.

The Executive Director, Project Pink Blue, Runcie Chidebe, lamented that “Health insurance is not mandatory while vehicle insurance is. It is important to change the narrative through constant advocacy and giving a voice to help achieve better care for Nigerians.”

Also speaking, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr. Faisal Shuaib said primary health care under one roof was a mechanism for delivering Universal Health Coverage.

Earlier, Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, said Universal Health Coverage was not a destination but a journey when 80% of Nigerians would have affordable health care not far from where they live.