The maiden National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) has ended in Akure, Ondo State, with stakeholders adopting a far-reaching communique calling for compulsory health insurance laws across all states of the federation as a key step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The communique, issued at the end of the two-day summit held at the International Culture and Event Centre, in Akure, the state capital, was signed by the Chairman of the Forum of CEOs of SSHIAs, Mohammed Safana, and the Secretary, Dr Vetty Agala.
The summit brought together policymakers, regulators, development partners, and state health insurance executives under the Forum of CEOs of SSHIAs in Nigeria to deliberate on strengthening health financing systems and expanding access to affordable healthcare.
It recommended that state governments strengthen political commitment to UHC by enacting laws that make health insurance mandatory for all residents, including both formal and informal sector populations.
The communique further urged the establishment of clear legal and institutional frameworks to support implementation, alongside harmonisation of federal and state health insurance schemes to ensure uniform standards and stronger regulatory oversight.
It also called for a mixed financing model combining government budgetary allocations, mandatory contributions, targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups, and innovative funding sources such as earmarked levies and public-private partnerships.
The communique stressed the need for consistent release of counterpart funds and state equity contributions, warning that delays in funding remain a major constraint to effective implementation of health insurance schemes.
It further emphasized expansion of coverage to informal workers, rural communities, women, children, and persons with disabilities through simplified enrolment systems, including digital platforms and community-based structures.
In his remarks, Safana said the resolutions reflected a collective urgency to address gaps in healthcare access, stressing the need for decisive action by governments at all levels.
“We can no longer treat health insurance as optional. It must become a legal requirement that protects every citizen regardless of income or location.
“States must take ownership of this reform. Without compulsory coverage backed by law, we will continue to see millions of Nigerians pushed into poverty by preventable health expenses,” he said.
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