LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A health advocate is urging swift presidential approval of the FCT Health Insurance Bill, describing it as critical to reducing healthcare costs and expanding access to quality services for millions of residents.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Mr. Shem Adah, a representative for the Advocacy for Development, Health and Environmental Sustainability, said the proposed law would play a key role in advancing universal health coverage by reducing the heavy financial burden many residents face when seeking medical treatment.
While praising the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for achievements in infrastructure, education, and sanitation, Adah noted that the health sector still needs stronger attention.
He explained that passing the bill into law should be treated as a top priority.
According to him, establishing a dedicated health insurance agency through the bill would boost healthcare infrastructure, strengthen the workforce, and improve overall service delivery across the territory.
Adah, urged the minister to push for the bill’s approval by President Bola Tinubu, saying, “The passage and presidential assent to the FCT Health Insurance Bill is not just a policy decision; it is a lifeline for millions of residents who currently bear the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare costs.”
He further explained that once signed into law, the bill would expand health coverage, cut personal medical expenses, and offer financial protection, especially for low-income and vulnerable groups.
In addition, the health expert explained that the proposed legislation aligns with the federal government’s agenda to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare nationwide.
He also praised the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Adedolapo Fasawe, for efforts to increase health insurance coverage.
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Similarly, he noted that the FCT is already among the top regions in Nigeria for insurance enrollment, acknowledging the role of the FCT State Social Health Insurance Scheme, led by Salamatu Belgore, in expanding access to healthcare services.
However, Adah warned that achieving universal health coverage would remain difficult without a solid legal framework.
He stressed that the bill is necessary to ensure accountability, sustainability, and long-term success through a strong healthcare system, including better facilities, lower infant mortality rates, affordable financing, skilled health workers, and effective governance.
Meanwhile, he raised concerns about the impact of economic challenges on the healthcare sector, noting that rising costs have made it harder for many Nigerians to access quality care.
Although he recognized ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health, Adah called for more visible results that directly benefit communities.
Therefore, he urged the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, to focus on policies that deliver real improvements.
“Healthcare reforms must be felt at the community level. Nigerians should not only read about progress; they should experience accessible, affordable and quality care,” he said.
Adah added that public trust in the health system depends on real-life experiences, noting that current achievements are not yet enough to meet expectations.
He emphasized the need for people-focused reforms that ensure fair access to healthcare across the country.
The FCT Health Insurance Bill is part of broader efforts to improve healthcare financing and expand coverage.
Although the existing FCT Health Insurance Scheme has made gradual progress, challenges remain, especially in reaching informal workers and vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, the proposed law aims to address these gaps by creating a fully established insurance agency with clear governance and sustainable funding.
Experts believe that without legal backing, the scheme will struggle to grow and deliver long-term impact.
(NAN)
