NMA chair urges government to prioritise health insurance
In an interview, Dr Aniekan Peter, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State chapter, discussed the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system. He highlighted issues such as underfunding, brain drain, quackery, and the lack of universal health insurance. Dr Aniekan Peter stressed that out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are leading to avoidable deaths. He also shared efforts made by the association to improve the welfare of health workers and healthcare infrastructure in the state.
What happened
- Dr Aniekan Peter emphasised that government underfunding and lack of universal health insurance are major problems in Nigeria’s health sector.
- He said that out-of-pocket payments prevent many Nigerians from accessing healthcare, resulting in avoidable deaths.
- The association has advocated for increased funding, health insurance, and improved welfare for healthcare workers, including a review of allowances signed since November 2025.
- Efforts have been made to combat quackery through advocacy and the formation of a Joint Task Force in Akwa Ibom.
- He called for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Akwa Ibom and the creation of more medical universities to address gaps in healthcare delivery and training.
