Niger Targets 15% Health Insurance Coverage By 2027

Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiCare) has unveiled a three-year strategic plan to key into the new Niger Agenda and drive health insurance coverage to 15 percent by 2027.

The executive secretary of the agency, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, disclosed this at the dissemination meeting of the agency to mobilise stakeholders for the strategic plans.

“We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of driving health insurance coverage up to 15 percent by 2027. Health insurance is a fundamental human right. By expanding coverage, we ensure that every citizen has access to the care they need, when they need it most. This is not just a numerical target; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusivity,” he declared.

Abu-Bakr said as the agency embarks on a transformative journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Niger State, the vision is to position the State Contributory Health Agency as the vanguard institution driving the realisation of UHC and enhancing the livelihoods of residents.

He said the agency’s vision is in alignment with the New Niger Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago adding that, “As we chart our course for the next three years, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to our agenda.”

He stated that NiCare must be rebranded in terms of corporate communication to amplify visibility into the work of the agency through strategic communication initiatives, shine a spotlight on the achievements and rally stakeholders.

He said the agency recognises the indispensable role of digitalization in revolutionizing the health insurance system as the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve access to healthcare services.

“By embracing digital innovation, we lay the foundation for a future where healthcare is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all. It is important to state that the governor will have a dashboard that directly shows the works we are doing,” he stated.

Consequently, he noted that as an institution, the agency cannot achieve her vision in isolation thus the success hinges upon the strength of the agency ‘s partnership and collaboration.