Don advocates compulsory health insurance to fund health sector

Prof. Makonjuola Akande, of the University of Ilorin has called for compulsory Health Insurance Scheme to generate funds for the sustenance of the country’s health sector.

Akande, who made the call on Monday in an interview with Newsverge in Calabar, said that the country should emulate the advanced countries in this regard.

“I can tell you that if the Federal Government introduces compulsory health insurance scheme in Nigeria, the problem of funding in the health sector will be over.

“I want government to make health insurance scheme compulsory, just like the vehicle insurance for both private and public sector, “he said.

The don said that less than seven per cent of Nigeria’s population could access the present health insurance scheme.

He said that this was unacceptable, if the country was to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

Akande said that Nigeria was currently placed 187 out of 194 in global indexes for UHC.

“We still have a long way to go. The only option is to make health insurance compulsory in the country.

“The problem of funding in our health institutions will be over as the government will have enough funds to cater for the health needs of the people.

“I tell you that most of the deaths that occur in Nigeria are preventable if there is affordable healthcare system in the country, ‘’ he said.

Akande said that a functional health insurance system would reduce poverty and add to life expectancy in the society.