The Federal Government has adopted a new evidence-based approach to healthcare decision-making aimed at reducing waste, improving efficiency and ensuring that limited resources are directed towards interventions that deliver the greatest benefits to Nigerians.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) formally inaugurated a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Steering Committee on Wednesday, marking the official rollout of the framework in Nigeria. The initiative is expected to guide decisions on healthcare coverage, pricing, reimbursement and resource allocation as the country pursues Universal Health Coverage.
Director-General of the NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said the adoption of HTA represents a major step towards ensuring that public healthcare funds are spent wisely and equitably. According to him, rising healthcare demands and limited financial resources make it necessary for policymakers to rely on scientific evidence when determining which treatments, medicines and interventions should receive priority funding.
Ohiri explained that Health Technology Assessment provides a structured process for evaluating the clinical effectiveness, economic value and broader impact of healthcare interventions before resources are committed.
“HTA provides the evidence-based methodology to ensure those resources are spent efficiently and equitably,” he said during the inauguration ceremony.
The event, which was flagged off by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, brought together stakeholders from the health sector, academia and development organisations committed to strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
As part of preparations for the implementation of the framework, the NHIA has developed key governance documents, including an HTA Framework, Reference Case and Process Guidelines. The authority has also invested in capacity building through postgraduate training programmes designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to conduct health technology assessments.
Officials disclosed that pilot assessments have already been completed in critical healthcare areas, including kidney replacement therapy, colorectal cancer screening and the use of sorafenib for advanced liver cancer treatment.
The newly inaugurated Steering Committee is expected to provide strategic oversight for the implementation of HTA while promoting the use of locally generated evidence in shaping health policies and reimbursement decisions.
Health experts believe the framework could help Nigeria maximise healthcare outcomes, improve accountability in spending and ensure that investments in the sector translate into better access to quality healthcare services for citizens. As healthcare costs continue to rise globally, the government hopes the initiative will strengthen sustainability and support efforts to achieve equitable healthcare coverage across the country.
