Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) has advocated for fertility treatments to be classified as a medical necessity, eligible for coverage under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) or any other insurance scheme.
The chairman of the association’s scientific committee and founder of Nisa Medical Group, Dr Ibrahim Wada, stated this yesterday at a press conference ahead of the association’s 14th Annual International Conference in Abuja.
The conference, themed “collaboration for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Global Best Practices In Nigeria,” is set to feature two key sub-themes: “Groundbreaking Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)” and Advancing Ethical Practices in Third Party Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).”
Dr. Wada emphasised the significant progress in ART in the country, largely driven by the private sector, making the country a key player in Africa’s reproductive health landscape.
However, he pointed out that the cost of fertility treatments remains a major barrier for many Nigerians.
He said “The inclusion of fertility treatments in health insurance will relieve the financial burden on many couples struggling with infertility.
“Infertility is a disease deserving of cover by not only NHIS, but any type of insurance cover that is existing in the country, and that will surely wipe tears out of the eyes of many couples.”
The fertility expert highlighted that in countries like Belgium and Qatar, fertility treatments are fully funded by health insurance, allowing citizens multiple attempts without financial strain.
Dr Wada, however, noted that the long-awaited IVF regulation Act, which is currently in progress, aims to regulate and expand access to IVF treatments while addressing critical issues like insurance coverage for fertility services.
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