ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS) IN FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER BIDA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Rahamat Mililicent Yakubu and Odonye Dauda Yusuf
Volume 4 Issue 1
Abstract
The study reviewed the implementation of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State adopted by Nigeria for improved access to healthcare services, especially to the low income earners. The objective of the study is to review developments in the implementation of the Nigerian NHIS in Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State and determine whether it’s achieving its objectives. Specifically, the study focused on key issues and challenges confronting the NHIS, with a bid to proffer appropriate recommendations towards sustainability, effectiveness and efficiency. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative analysis methodology. The main instrument for eliciting the primary data is the survey questionnaire which was complimented by secondary sources. After data collection, presentation and analysis, the study found limited coverage, religious and cultural limitations, in-extensive prescriptions, conflict of interests (NHIS and HMOs), low participants' coverage, issues of mistrust, total government financing limitation as well as low budget allocation compared to need, as major issues confronting the achievement of quality healthcare delivery from the Scheme. It proffered some recommendations which include: more private sector participation, governance right to HMOs on the Board of NHIS, creation of Notional Health Insurance Fund and commencement of contribution from participants. Key Words: Health, Insurance, Scheme, Healthcare, Medical and Service
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