Health insurance is essential for achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria, particularly as the health insurance landscape continues to evolve. This was one of the main issues highlighted at the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) Annual Conference, where our Founder and CEO, Abimbola Adebakin, spoke as a panellist during the Leaders’ Summit. The event which took place on June 25, 2024, gathered industry leaders to discuss how private sector solutions, especially digital innovations, can improve healthcare access and efficiency.
The panel session, titled “Harnessing Private Sector Solutions for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria’s Evolving Health Insurance Landscape,” sparked an engaging discussion. The session, moderated by Iyadunni Olubode, Director of Nigeria Programs at MSD for Mothers, featured prominent panellists such as Dr. Alero Roberts, Dr. Modupe Ogundimu, Dr. Leke Oshunniyi, Dr. Ngozi Onyia, and Mrs. Peju Ibekwe.
The focus was on how digital platforms and data can improve health insurance and contribute to universal health coverage in Nigeria. When Iyadunni asked Abimbola about the role of Advantage Health Africa (AHA) in this transformation, her response was insightful and forward-looking.
Abimbola explained that AHA, along with over 1,000 aggregated pharmacies in its network across Nigeria, is leading the charge in driving change. While not all these pharmacies are leveraging digital technology, some are leveraging “The Advantage,” a solution launched by AHA, to manage inventory in real-time and deliver more efficient services. Abimbola also highlighted an issue from about five years ago when Health Management Organizations (HMOs) often received inadequate feedback about prescriptions filled on their behalf. To address this, AHA introduced its “myCare” service, which now allows HMOs to reliably fulfil non-urgent patient medications, particularly for chronic illnesses. This solution offers a significant opportunity to optimise health insurance delivery further through digital innovations.
Abimbola discussed the challenges, particularly for pharmacies participating in the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA). Feedback has shown the need for better-trained medical staff, more timely payments for high-volume fulfillments, and earlier issuance of Corporate Identification Number (CIN) certificates. Addressing these issues is vital for the sustainability of health insurance in Nigeria.
However, the opportunities are equally significant. By aggregating pharmacies and using digital platforms, pharmacies can predict healthcare needs and bulk purchase from manufacturers. This can ultimately reduce costs and enhance the sustainability of health insurance schemes. This approach highlights the importance of data sharing and collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem—from HMOs to clinics, pharmacies, and manufacturers. This aligns with PSHAN’s mission of fostering collaborative and innovative solutions to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
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One of the most compelling points Abimbola made was about the untapped potential of pharmacies in achieving universal health coverage. Pharmacies often serve as the first point of contact for individuals, even before they become patients. This unique position allows them to onboard individuals into health insurance schemes and provide value-added services currently missing.
Abimbola compared this potential to the evolution of the mobile phone industry. Just as mobile phones have become more than just communication devices—thanks to innovations that made them indispensable—health insurance must evolve to become mainstream, attractive, and “hip.” For AHA, this means making health insurance a part of the gig economy, something as normal and essential as having a savings app on your phone. This vision resonates with PSHAN’s goal of integrating private sector expertise into public health initiatives to drive sustainable impact.
Abimbola’s closing remarks were a call to action. She stressed that the success of health insurance in Nigeria depends on the collective effort to integrate digital platforms and data-driven decisions. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)’s leadership is critical in this regard. By insisting on digital platforms to drive health insurance, we can break down silos and build a system that is effective today and sustainable for the future, particularly as Nigeria’s population grows and the burden of chronic illnesses increases.
Health insurance, supported by digital transformation, holds the key to unlocking universal health coverage in Nigeria. As AHA continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the vision is clear: a healthcare system that is inclusive, efficient, and ready to meet the needs of Nigeria’s evolving landscape.
The journey towards universal health coverage in Nigeria is complex, but with the right private sector solutions, particularly in health insurance, it is achievable. Advantage Health Africa, under the leadership of Abimbola Adebakin, is demonstrating that digital innovation and collaboration are the pathways to a sustainable healthcare future. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the role of pharmacies, digital platforms, and data-driven decisions will be crucial in ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare. By joining The Advantage, pharmacies can leverage real-time inventory management and improve customer relationship management, reducing costs and enhancing service delivery. The time to act is now, and the potential for impact is immense. Let’s harness these opportunities in alignment with PSHAN’s goals to create a healthier, more equitable Nigeria.
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