Health insurance for National Youth Service Corps members: a step in the right direction for Nigeria, from policy to practice

Abstract

The health insurance programme for corps members in Nigeria, otherwise known as the Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme-n (GIFSHIP-n) stands as a commendable stride, reflecting the Federal Government's commitment towards ensuring that the health and well-being of corps members undergoing the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Nigeria are catered for. The programme, flagged off on 11th February, 2022 is funded by the Nigerian Government, and managed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in conjunction with NYSC, with the engagement of some Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) which manage the provision of healthcare through accredited healthcare facilities across the nation. GIFSHIP-n provides services that are within NHIA scope of coverage; and unlike the NHIA Formal Sector Programme, corps members are not required to make co-payment for drugs. Hence, it is free health care service, except for services on the exclusion list. One of the major challenges of the scheme includes the unavailability of accredited healthcare facilities in rural localities across many Local Government Areas (LGAs), making corps members to travel to far locations to access care. However, all the challenges are surmountable towards the sustainability of this laudable programme. Further research is recommended to establish the role and coordination with the State and LGA administration on the GIFSHIP-n. There will also be a need to get deeper and a more comprehensive evaluation of the programme including impact studies, quality of care, satisfaction of corps members and data on other relevant key performance indicators