The federal government has inaugurated a Ministerial committee to drive the provision of health insurance for retirees and elderly Nigerians and also attain the much desired Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Osagie Ehanire, minister of health while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, said the elderly may be facing glaring and additional strain from financial challenges and psycho-social issues of adjusting to a Retiree’s life while problems of cognition set in slowly.
“Depending solely on a pension allowance that is barely enough to meet basic household needs, they experience an extra burden that defeats the essence of pension and may fall into depression”, the minister said.
He also noted that the Elderly and Retirees of 60 years and above, who make up 6 to 7 percent, is 15 million out of Nigeria’s population are constantly faced with health challenges, over and beyond the wear and tear of aging.
Ehanire further disclosed that the covid-19 further disclosed that the pandemic has made it obvious that about 60–80 percent of older persons have pre-existing medical conditions requiring regular medications, while also noting that Health and Wellbeing are crucial to older persons’ independence and autonomy and critical to maintaining inclusion and participation in community affairs.
“We are here today 30th November 2020 for an activity that could bring help to the Elderly in our society and it is to inaugurate members of a Ministerial Committee to examine options for the provision of Health Insurance for Retirees and the Elderly in Nigeria.
“It underscores the resolve and commitment of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to improve access to healthcare and promote the wellbeing of aging citizens of our country through provision of health insurance”, Ehanire said.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in ensuring a timely and successful inauguration of the committee.
The committee was tasked to assess the current situation of health Insurance coverage and access to health care for retirees and senior citizens (over 60 years) in Nigeria, develop a National Framework for the effective Health Insurance Coverage of Retirees and Senior citizens.
Others are to: make recommendations to the Minister of Health on the potential resource mobilization as well as other mechanisms for the successful implementation of the framework; undertake any other activity that will facilitate the Health Insurance Coverage of Retirees and Senior citizens in Nigeria.
Linus Awute, chairman of the committee pledged to deliver results not only by way of mere recommendations as most committees do, but will in addition to recommendations to the government, come up with implementation strategies in order to forerun the final commitment of this visionary Initiative.
