Experts worry over 75% out-of-pocket payment for health

Researchers have expressed concern that the funds usually disbursed to the health sector have not achieved their intended impact due to weak implementation and poor accountability, revealing that 75 per cent of funding is coming from out-of-pocket.

They stressed the need for civic action and legal accountability to drive reform, warning that without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks missing its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) targets.

They also called for political will to change the narrative.

They made the revelation in Abuja during the launch of the Country Health System and Services Profile (CHSSP), jointly developed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region, and the University of Nigeria’s Health Policy Research Group (HPRG).

In his presentation, lead researcher of the CHSSP, Professor Obinna Onwujekwe, expressed optimism that with sustained advocacy, political will, and media engagement, the country can do better.

He said: “The key message is that this report gives us evidence about where we are and where we should be going.

“It compares Nigeria with other African countries, helping us see our performance gaps and what needs to improve for the benefit of citizens.

“The Basic Health Care Provision Fund is not really making the impact it should. If effectively implemented, it could make a huge difference, but for now, accountability around it needs serious work. 

We have distilled the report into smaller policy briefs. We also have a Minister who believes in evidence-based reform, so there is political will.

“But the press must help broadcast this information to the public, policymakers, and legislators. We are performing at 45 per cent compared to Africa’s 54 per cent, with 75 per cent of funding coming from out-of-pocket — this must change.”

Also speaking, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, lamented challenges bedevilling the health sector, restating government commitment towards solving the problems.

Represented by Dr Kamil Shoretire, Pate described the challenges highlighted in the CHSSP as “surmountable”, assuring that government is committed to using the findings as a reform tool.

According to the Minister, the report provides a clear picture of where the country is currently standing in terms of health and what needs to be done going forward, adding: “The challenges are real, but they are surmountable with commitment, collaboration, and accountability.”

On his part, Country Director of the Network for Health Equity and Development, Dr Emmanuel Sokpo, stressed that Nigerians must begin to see healthcare as a fundamental right and demand accountability from both government and service providers.

He further emphasised the need for civic action and legal accountability to drive reform, saying: “Until people start taking government and health workers to court, getting lawyers to charge them to court, people won’t realise that actions have consequences. As far as the accountability system remains weak, things will continue as they are.”