A Review on Healthcare Schemes in Nigeria: a Case of Corona Virus Pandemic

Abstract

Healthcare is an important social amenity which impacts greatly on overall wellbeing of persons especially in low- and middle-income countries where disease burdens are high. In Nigeria health insurance schemes aim to improve the health of citizens and provide equal access to healthcare across different income classes. Corona virus pandemic has affected millions of persons globally with adverse impact on health and health expenses. In the case of a global emergency such as the Corona virus pandemic versus the normal scenario, different healthcare policies are implemented. This study reviews the challenges of health burdens, healthcare delivery, healthcare coverage before and during COVID-19 pandemic, health insurance schemes, and strategies for future improvements in Nigeria. This study reports the current state of health insurance schemes and healthcare coverage in Nigeria, during a pandemic and strategies for an all-inclusive policy for less privileged especially those managing long term illnesses. The global economic and health impact of COVID-19 is expected to be long lasting, hence health policies that further reduce hardship and health burdens are critically needed.