Zainab Iwayemi
Following the national launch of the Groups, Individuals and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP) by Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, in Abuja, last year, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has launched the scheme in Auchi, Edo State.
The scheme, which is aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) within a set timeline through its various service platforms, has become the major driver of enrollment especially in the non-formal sector of the economy.
Prof Mohammed Sambo, the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in his address at the occasion stated that GIFSHIP was redesigned to extend healthcare coverage to various organisations, political office holders, donor agencies, multinational corporations, philanthropists as well as Nigerians in the diaspora to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality and affordable healthcare.
He asserted that Auchi was the first location outside Abuja where the launch of the programme would take place whilst also noting that the event was made possible through the support of prominent citizens of the town.
Representing the NHIS boss, Emmanuel Ononokpono, the Head of Media and Public Relation, stated that the mandate of the Scheme was to ensure financial access to quality health services for all Nigerians through social health insurance.
Dr Mustapha Lecky, a former Executive Secretary of NHIS, while speaking at the occasion said the programme would pave the way to better health amongst citizens. “GIFSHIP would provide a pathway to accelerated achievement of Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria as it represents a bold and decisive strategy that is sensible for everyone, to get health insurance cover that leaves no one behind,” He said.
