UHC: Academy Urges Support For Healthcare Funding

Nigerian Academy of Medicine (NAMeD), in partnership with development Research and Projects Center (dRPC), has called for stakeholders’ support for the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through enhanced healthcare funding.

The institution made the call yesterday during the NAMeD’s 2023 annual lecture and induction ceremony in Abuja, where pressing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system were brought to the forefront.

The lecture, titled: “Interprofessional Relationships in the Health Sector: Enhancing the Healthcare Workforce in Nigeria in the Presence of Challenging Demographics,” underscored the vital role of interprofessional relationships in a country grappling with a rapidly growing population of over 215 million.

In a communique read by its secretary, Prof. Oluwole Atoyebi, NAMeD emphasized that fostering cooperation among healthcare professionals was essential for creating an efficient and comprehensive care system.

He recognised the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Act signed into law in May 2022 as a critical step towards achieving UHC for all Nigerians, as it aimed at providing affordable and high-quality healthcare services, irrespective of income or location.

The lecture delivered by the former minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, also addressed the challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare system which include geographical disparities in healthcare workforce distribution, frequent strikes due to various issues, and significant financial losses due to medical tourism.

The lecture proposed a series of potential solutions, such as promoting mutual respect among healthcare professionals, improving communication and interprofessional education, and addressing regulatory barriers. It also urged the exploration of innovative financing mechanisms for healthcare.