NHIA Advocates Health Tax Reform to Combat NCDs
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is advancing health tax reform in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance for sustainable health financing and addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). At a workshop in Abuja, NHIA Director-General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri stated that collaboration across various sectors, including the Ministry of Finance, is essential for effective reform.
He highlighted the dual role of health taxes as a public health intervention and a resource mobilization tool. The Senate has already passed the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax Bill, which is pending approval from the House of Representatives.
Ohiri noted that the proposed reforms aim to enhance the SSB tax framework and allocate funds for health promotion and disease prevention. He called for political leadership and institutional capacity to ensure successful implementation.
Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo remarked that health taxes should also aim to reduce harmful product consumption. WHO Country Representative Dr. Pavel Ursu emphasized that evidence alone is insufficient for health improvement.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from This Day. Read the original report below.
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