Entry into force of the National Insurance health Scheme

The Nigerian government has set a deadline for the entry into force of the National Insurance Scheme with a view to covering the entire population by 2015. This plan has already been launched in six states since January 2009. The project has existed at the national level since 1999 for the staff members of both public and private sectors. The novelty consists in extending the scheme to cover all Nigerians.
The compulsory character of this insurance is under study and a review of the premium paid by the insured is still making the news. Furthermore, the cover will be extended to children below five, pregnant women, the permanently disabled and detainees.