The Federal Government is reassessing the impact of healthcare financing programmes amid concerns that millions of Nigerians still shoulder high medical costs despite increased public spending and expanding health insurance coverage.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) disclosed this ahead of the inaugural Nigeria Health Financing Research and Learning Forum scheduled to commence on September 28.
According to the authority, more than ₦235 billion has been disbursed through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund over the last three years, while health insurance enrolment has risen to over 23 million Nigerians.
Despite these gains, the NHIA noted that out-of-pocket healthcare spending remains high, leaving many households vulnerable to financial hardship whenever serious medical needs arise.
The two-day forum will bring together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals and financing experts to examine how available resources can be deployed more effectively to improve healthcare outcomes.
Discussions are expected to focus on expanding access to healthcare services, improving efficiency in public spending and strengthening evidence-based decision-making across the health sector.
The authority said one of the key issues under review would be how limited resources can be directed toward treatments and interventions that provide the greatest benefit to patients.
Particular attention will be given to Health Technology Assessment, a process used to determine whether medicines, treatments and healthcare interventions offer sufficient value relative to their costs.
The NHIA disclosed that assessments have already been conducted on kidney replacement therapy, colorectal cancer screening and treatment options for advanced liver cancer.
The forum forms part of broader health sector reforms being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
Officials say the objective is to ensure that increased health spending translates into better healthcare delivery, improved patient outcomes and stronger financial protection for Nigerians.
