By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Stakeholders in the nation’s health sector have called for a collective action to achieve the goal of Universal Health Coverage in the country.

Speaking variously at the UHC Day Commemoration Roundtable in Abuja, yesterday, participants insisted that Nigeria can only achieve universal health coverage through collective approach.

According to them, this was achievable through deployment of mechanisms in health insurance and the mobilisation of needed resources.

At the event held with the theme: “Health: It’s on the Government”, experts while tasking the government to be at the forefront of universal health coverage,said achieving the goal in the country will not be easy.

They resolved to strengthen collaboration and sustain efforts to achieve affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

Speaking, the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority,NHIA, Dr. Ohiri Kelechi,emphasized the agency’s commitment to lifting Nigerians out of health poverty through universal health coverage.

The NHIA boss identified two categories of health poverty in the country. These, according to him, are those too poor to afford healthcare and those at risk of financial ruin due to health crises.

He outlined a four-pronged strategy to achieve universal health coverage, including expanding insurance coverage, targeting vulnerable groups, improving healthcare quality, and fostering partnerships.

Ohiri stressed the need for collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector for enhancing sustainable calling healthcare in the country.

Speaking also, the Chairperson of Universal Health Coverage Forum, Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, commended NHIA’s efforts and emphasized strong political will and stakeholder participation to accelerate progress.

She called for an actionable outcomes to improve maternal and child health services, citing Yobe State’s healthcare successes as a model for others.

The Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, represented by Dr. Tanko Yakasai, while speaking, applauded the UHC Forum for placing healthcare at the center of Nigeria’s political agenda .

She acknowledged the forum’s role in fostering partnerships and ensuring policies align with national priorities.

Participants while admitting that progress has been made,called for improvement in the Involvement of the poor and vulnerable in getting access to proper healthcare.

According to them,enrolling more Nigerians in health insurance is the first step towards universal health coverage.