A Model of Community Health Insurance for Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The increasing population pressure in African countries coupled with dwindling financial resources calls for new measures to improve health care financing. Health insurance is one of the strategies advocated by World Health Organization in health care financing and organizational reforms in developing countries [1]
Objective: To have health insurance policy reach district and village levels of a community.
Methodology: Organization of community health insurance committee members should include; district head, councilor for accounts/finance, councilor for health, religious leaders, lawyer, accountant, medical officer and representatives of associations
Conclusion / Recommendation: Community health insurance based on partnership between governments and communities might address health care financing shortfalls. It will benefit individuals and families by improving their access, utilization and sustainability of quality health services, ultimately translating into good health, wellbeing and social security. Hence, it requires good organizational and managerial leadership for success.