FG ASSESSES IMPACT OF N235BN HEALTH FUND

The Federal Government is reviewing the impact of N235bn released through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund over the past three years as part of efforts to improve healthcare financing and reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.

The National Health Insurance Authority disclosed this in a statement ahead of the inaugural Nigeria Health Financing Research and Learning Forum, which begins on Monday.

The NHIA said the government’s increased health spending made it important to ensure that the funds were producing measurable improvements in healthcare delivery.

It noted that health insurance enrolment had risen to more than 23 million Nigerians, but many households continued to face high out-of-pocket medical expenses.

The two-day forum will bring together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals and health financing experts to examine how limited resources can be used more effectively.

Discussions will focus on using evidence to determine which treatments and healthcare services should receive funding, how providers should be paid and where available resources can have the greatest impact.

The NHIA said the initiative was part of broader Federal Government reforms aimed at expanding access to healthcare, improving patient outcomes and strengthening financial protection.

The authority also highlighted the use of Health Technology Assessment to evaluate whether medicines, treatments and other health interventions provide sufficient benefits to justify their costs.

The forum is expected to identify gaps in health financing research and strengthen the link between evidence, funding decisions and improvements in patient care.