Nigerian Households Shoulder Crushing Medical Costs, Ministry Reveals
The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has disclosed that Nigerian households bear an overwhelming 70-80% of the country’s health expenditure, with government contributions amounting to only 0.8%. This stark reality highlights the financial strain on families and the gaps in health insurance coverage.
Read Also:
In 2022, healthcare spending accounted for 4.6% of Nigeria’s GDP, with households contributing a staggering N6.8 trillion (16 billion dollars), far exceeding the recommended 30-40% threshold. The total health expenditure stood at N9.19 trillion (21.71 billion dollars), with public funds accounting for only 14.4% and donor contributions making up 11.6%.
The Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Kamil Soretire, emphasized the need for improved legislative stewardship and accountability to achieve universal health coverage. He urged legislators to expand social insurance coverage to alleviate the financial burden on households.
Health experts and affected households are calling for increased government funding and comprehensive health insurance schemes to mitigate the financial risks faced by households. The current health financing model is unsustainable, and immediate action is necessary to ensure accessible healthcare services for all.
