Assessment of the Impact of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on Healthcare Access and Utilization in Nigeria.

AbstractDespite its establishment to improve access to healthcare, many Nigerians remain uninsured,limiting the scheme’ s effectiveness. This study assessed the impact of the National HealthInsurance Scheme (NHIS) on healthcare access and utilization in Nigeria. Utilizing a mixedmethods approach, the research examines quantitative data from a survey of 844participants, alongside qualitative insights from 30 semi-structured interviews. The findingsreveal that NHIS enrolees experience significantly higher rates of healthcare access (71.1%)and utilization (average of 3.5 visits per year) compared to uninsured individuals (35.5%access and 1.2 visits). The qualitative data highlight persistent barriers such as bureaucraticinefficiencies, long wait times, and concerns regarding the quality of care, despite thefinancial protection that the NHIS provides. Participants expressed a need for increasedawareness and education about the scheme, emphasizing that better communication couldenhance enrolment and utilization. The study concludes that while the NHIS has positivelyimpacted access and utilization, substantial challenges remain(indicate the challenges) thatmust be addressed to optimize its effectiveness. Recommendations include improving publicawareness, streamlining administrative processes, and implementing quality assurancemeasures in healthcare facilities. These steps are vital for ensuring that the NHIS canachieve its goal of providing equitable healthcare access for all Nigerians, ultimatelycontributing to better health outcomes across the population.IntroductionThe National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established in Nigeria in 2005 as part ofa broader strategy to reform the healthcare system and improve access to quality medicalservices for the population. With a significant proportion of Nigerians with limited access to