Evaluation of the Impacts of National Health Insurance Scheme on the Civil Servants’ Health Status in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on the health status of civil servants in Abuja. The specific objectives of this study are to: assess civil servants’ awareness level of the scheme, determine the benefits of the specific healthcare services available under the scheme and evaluate the impact of the scheme on the civil servants’ health status. The study adopted survey design which involved the combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection. Data were collected from 396 respondents using questionnaire which was complemented by in-depth interview among ten respondents in National Assembly and Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja. The questionnaires were analyzed using simple percentages, while the in-depth interview was analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed a high level of awareness of the scheme among the civil servants. Also it was found that the health status of the civil servants has improved through medical treatment following the usage of the NHIS healthcare services. The findings equally revealed that NHIS has impacted positively on the health status of civil servants in Abuja. The study concludes that NHIS has great impact on the health status of civil servants in Abuja. It is recommended that the Government should further equip the scheme to provide quality healthcare services to the civil servants in Abuja and other parts Nigeria.