The Federal Government has announced a 15.7% increase in the number of Nigerians covered by health insurance, signaling significant progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this at the National Executive Council Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja on Thursday.
“Between 2023 and December 2024, we moved from 16.8 million to 19.4 million Nigerians covered under any form of health insurance. This is a remarkable achievement, considering that our four-year target was a 20% increase,” Salako stated.
Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare access, he emphasized that UHC remains a priority, ensuring that Nigerians receive essential health services without financial hardship.
Beyond clinical roles, Salako urged doctors to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills, stressing that the evolving healthcare landscape requires professionals who can drive systemic improvements.
“Doctors are natural leaders, but their influence often ends within the clinical setting. By equipping them with broader leadership and entrepreneurial skills, we prepare them for policymaking, system management, and innovative healthcare solutions,” he said.
He commended NARD for prioritizing these competencies, urging health training institutions and regulatory bodies to integrate leadership and entrepreneurship training for all health professionals.
Acknowledging current economic challenges, Salako appealed to resident doctors and healthcare workers to exercise patience and engage in constructive dialogue.
“President Tinubu is leading the country’s economic reforms like a surgeon handling a complex, multi-organ operation. It requires careful planning, balancing, and courageous execution, which may come with hardship,” he explained.
He assured that the Ministry of Health remains open to discussions on welfare improvements, urging medical professionals to support the government’s reforms and prioritize industrial harmony.
Salako concluded by praising NARD’s efforts in enhancing the leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities of doctors, emphasizing that these skills are critical for sustainable healthcare delivery.
“Nigeria needs you now more than ever. Let us believe in our country and work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous nation,” he urged.
With the government’s renewed focus on expanding health insurance, empowering doctors, and fostering dialogue, stakeholders remain hopeful that Nigeria’s healthcare system will continue to improve for the benefit of all citizens.
