Title: National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria: Implementation and Challenges in Modibbo Adama University Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Authors: Gamboro Bitrus Adi
Zullaihatu Umaru
Irash John Iratishe
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 316-326
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
Health insurance is a social security mechanism that guarantees the provision of needed health services to people who are sick on the payment of some amount at regular intervals. In 1999, the federal government of Nigeria established the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under decree 35 of the 1999 constitution. Although, the scheme was designed to assist all citizens of Nigeria to have access to medical care at affordable rate through the insurance cover, its pertinent to note that its implementation faces a lot of challenges. The primary Objectives of this research work is to access the National Health Insurance Scheme implementation and the challenges faced by the enrollees of the scheme in Nigeria. The study adopted the General System theory propounded by Von Bertalaffy in 1956 as its theoretical framework. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study for data collection. Purposive Sampling Techniques was used to identify the staff of Modibbo Adama University yola Adamawa State Nigeria. Both Primary and Secondary data was used, the primary data was through oral interview. The research found out that, some of the major challenges of implementing NHIS includes: legislative and regulatory gaps and financial sustainability issue, restrictions on number of dependents, exemption of some drugs and treatment, drug out of stock and delays in obtaining codes from HMO. The study recommended amendment of NHIS Act, improved funding and inclusion of all drugs and treatments to the coverage of the scheme.