NHIS: Anglican Communion Mobilises ₦1bn for Indigent Members

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, is raising one billion naira to enable its members to benefit from the Federal Government’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The Primate of the Church, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, disclosed this at the opening of the Third Anglican Health Summit, with the theme, “Health Prosperity in the Decade of God’s Reign. ”
Most Reverend Ndukuba said all Bishops across the Dioceses had been mandated to mobilise funds to enable indigent members to access better healthcare services.
He maintained that the Church must develop implementable initiatives to support the Federal Government’s efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
According to the Anglican Primate, the Church must provide support and empower its members to complement their spiritual growth with improved physical well-being.
He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to address the mass exodus of health professionals abroad, saying special incentives should be introduced to motivate medical workers to remain in the country.
Most Reverend Ndukuba also argued that inadequate annual budgetary allocation to the health sector had contributed to the challenges facing healthcare delivery in the country.
He appealed to the Anglican Health and Medical Task Force to redouble its efforts towards the realisation of the Church Health Action Plan for Lasting Impact.
In a presentation, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, said the current administration had revitalised healthcare centres across the 774 local government areas to enhance healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
He commended the contributions of religious institutions, which he said had assisted the agency in administering vaccines aimed at preventing and eradicating childhood killer diseases.
According to Dr. Aina, the Church is one of the most reliable institutions in strengthening healthcare services in Nigeria.
The NPHCDA Executive Director assured that the Federal Government’s investment in building the capacity of health workers across the country would enhance effective healthcare delivery.