Professor Jesse Uneke, Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, has called for the adoption of a digital healthcare payment system in Nigeria. He argued that such a system would reduce financial leakages, enhance security, and promote financial autonomy, particularly for women, thereby improving healthcare access and affordability across the country.
Professor Uneke, who is also the founder of the African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, made this assertion during a workshop hosted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor in collaboration with Solina Health at RockView Royale Hotel, Abuja.
The workshop attracted stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, financial institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and academia. Discussions centered on the potential of digital payment systems to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
While delivering his lecture, “How Digital Healthcare Payments Can Drive Access and Affordability in Nigeria,” Professor Uneke emphasized the numerous benefits of digital healthcare payments. These include; Improved Access – where patients can access healthcare more readily through flexible, installment-based payment plans, reducing the financial burden of upfront medical costs.
Empowering Women -The digital payment systems will enable women to track and control their spending, fostering greater health autonomy for themselves and their families.
Increased Government Revenue – Scaled premium collections through digital platforms can boost government revenue and expand health insurance enrollment.
Enhanced Security – A digital framework minimizes risks and financial leakages compared to traditional payment systems.
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Acknowledging the challenges of transitioning to a fully digital healthcare payment system, Uneke called for a collaborative approach involving community leaders, pharmacies, healthcare providers, government agencies, private sector players, and non-governmental organizations.
He outlined key actions to facilitate the transition, including: Investing in Digital Literacy – Training Nigerians in general, digital, and financial literacy to build confidence in using digital payment platforms. Expanding Infrastructure – Improving digital payment infrastructure in underserved and rural areas and Building Trust – Leveraging community leaders to increase awareness and foster trust in digital payment systems.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by Professor Uneke and his team to promote evidence-informed policymaking in Nigeria. Sessions included:
– An overview of digital payment systems in Nigeria.
– Discussions on the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) framework.
– Presentations of initial findings from desk reviews.
– Group work and solution brainstorming among stakeholders.
Professor Uneke concluded by urging the government and private sector to embrace innovative digital solutions to create a more inclusive healthcare system. By doing so, he said, Nigeria could significantly enhance healthcare delivery and financial inclusion, particularly for vulnerable populations.
