In response to growing concerns about the accessibility of health care for the most vulnerable populations, the Nigerien government announced a decisive measure during the Council of Ministers chaired by His Excellency, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tiani this Thursday, August 22, 2024. A draft decree, adopted today, provides for a 50% reduction in health care service fees in public health facilities throughout the country, starting September 1, 2024. This significant measure aims to improve access to health care for all Nigeriens, particularly for rural populations where access to care has long been limited. It represents a crucial step towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Niger.
This initiative is part of the commitments of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) and the government to improve access to health care, particularly for the poorest sections of the population. The government has acknowledged that the current level of fees in public hospitals, which are often disparate, constitutes a major obstacle for many citizens, particularly those living in rural areas.
This reform represents a major step forward for the Nigerien population, particularly those living in rural areas, where access to healthcare is often limited. According to the data, only 1.07 out of 2 Nigeriens have access to a health facility within a radius of 0 to 5 km, and the average essential health service coverage index was 49.1% in 2021. In addition, Nigerien households bear more than 40.72% of health expenditures, a heavy financial burden for low-income families.
Harmonization and cost reduction to facilitate access to care
The adopted decree sets harmonized rates across all levels of the healthcare pyramid, including health huts, integrated health centers, district hospitals, regional hospitals, maternal and child health centers, Issaka Gazoby maternity hospital, as well as national reference hospitals. The cost reduction concerns vital services such as curative consultations, hospitalizations, laboratory tests, surgical medical procedures, and much more.
This initiative is particularly beneficial for rural populations, where distance and high costs of care have long been major barriers to accessing health services. By reducing costs, the government is improving access to care for millions of Nigeriens who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment.
A response to the historical challenges of the health system
The challenges facing Niger’s health system are not new. In 2006, faced with some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, the government of the day launched a policy of free healthcare for women and children under five. Despite initial successes, this initiative was quickly compromised by insufficient funding, with resources mobilized covering only half of needs until 2011. This led to payment arrears, limiting the capacity of health providers to deliver services.
Financing difficulties in the health sector have persisted, with health expenditure falling from 5.4% to 4.9% of GDP between 2007 and 2011. Although this expenditure increased slightly between 2016 and 2018, reaching 5.6% of GDP, it stagnated at around 5.7% between 2018 and 2020. This situation has highlighted the need for reforms to ensure sustainable financing and avoid the mistakes of the past.
Free deliveries and relief for dialysis patients
Among the measures adopted, the introduction of free childbirth represents a significant step forward for maternal and neonatal health, a significant step forward for maternal and neonatal health in a country where mortality rates remain alarming. In addition, patients requiring dialysis will no longer be required to pay the lifetime lump sum of 150,000 CFA francs, making this treatment more accessible for those suffering from chronic kidney failure.
A strong commitment to social justice
By adopting these reforms, the government reaffirms its commitment to social justice and reducing health inequalities. These measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerien households, particularly in rural areas, and to improve the coverage of essential health services.
These new provisions will mark a significant turning point for Niger’s health system by providing more equitable coverage and strengthening citizens’ well-being. By reducing the cost of care by half, the government is directly addressing the financial barriers that have long limited access to care for many Nigeriens. This bill demonstrates Niger’s commitment to social justice and reducing inequalities, particularly for rural populations.
This reform comes in a context of increased support for Nigeriens, following the recent reduction in hydrocarbon prices. Since July 23, 2024, a liter of gasoline (Super 91) has gone from 540 to 499 FCFA, and that of diesel from 668 to 618 FCFA. This measure had been widely applauded, offering welcome relief from the rising cost of living.
Consistent with this effort, the reduction in health care fees, which will come into effect on September 1, 2024, marks a further step in the commitment of the CNSP and the government to alleviate the financial burden on Nigeriens. With this reform, the CNSP and the government are demonstrating their determination to improve the living conditions of Nigeriens and move towards universal health coverage, a crucial objective not only for the well-being of its population, but also for the sustainable development of the country.
Abdoulkarim (actuniger.com)
