Nigeria Unveils GIFSHIP to Expand Affordable Healthcare Coverage. Nigeria’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) have received a significant boost with the official launch of the Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Product (GIFSHIP), a scheme aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare for millions of Nigerians.
The initiative is designed to provide health insurance coverage for individuals, families, workers in the informal sector and operators of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of whom have limited access to formal health insurance.The introduction of GIFSHIP is expected to increase healthcare access, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and improve financial protection for vulnerable populations across the country.Health stakeholders say the scheme represents a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring that more Nigerians can access quality and affordable healthcare services regardless of their employment status.The programme is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare financing system and support the government’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable health insurance framework.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.