Niger Launches Operational Guidelines For Health Insurance Scheme

The Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiCare) has launched revised operational guidelines aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state.

The launch, which took place yesterday in Minna, marked a significant milestone in the agency’s journey towards enhancing the livelihoods of the  residents.

The executive secretary/chief executive officer of NiCare, Sulayman Abu-Bakr,  said the revised guidelines introduced a new chapter in health insurance delivery, grounded in transparency, accountability, and fairness.

He emphasized that health insurance was about risk-sharing, not revenue generation, and that the agency is committed to leaving no one behind.

The executive secretary listed the new guidelines to  include the launch of the Niger State Equity Health Fund, which would pool contributions from residents, including government subsidies for the most vulnerable.

He said  the fund would ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.

Other key features of the revised guidelines he listed, included performance-based incentives and sanctions for healthcare providers, improved operational efficiency, and digitized claims processing. These reforms aim to build trust across the health system, reduce leakages, and ensure that every naira spent achieves the desired results.