Nigeria's low health insurance coverage leaves millions vulnerable, experts warn

Health experts have expressed concern over Nigeria's low health insurance coverage, stating that less than 10 percent of the population is covered. This leaves millions vulnerable to poverty due to high out-of-pocket medical expenses. Speaking at the 21st Annual Scientific Conference and Faculty Gathering of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, experts called for increased investment in healthcare financing, broader health insurance coverage, and greater use of artificial intelligence. Professor Oluwarotimi Akinola, a former President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, highlighted Nigeria's failure to develop a sustainable healthcare financing model, contrasting it with Ghana's 40 percent and China's 95 percent health insurance coverage. He also noted that underfunding has led to weak infrastructure, inadequate staffing, brain drain, and reliance on donor funding. Professor Akinola emphasized that achieving Universal Health Coverage requires investment in preventive healthcare and addressing social determinants like water, sanitation, housing, nutrition, and the environment. While acknowledging AI's potential to improve healthcare, he stressed it cannot replace sustainable financing. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, and Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, also advocated for expanded health insurance and the integration of AI, while emphasizin