Assessment of the Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Programme at the University of Jos Health Center

Abstract

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a social health security system where the health of employees in the formal sector is paid for from funds pooled together through the contributions of employees and employers. A large segment of the Nigerian population cannot adequately finance the basic cost of healthcare services and students in institutions of higher learning are no exception. The Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) came handy to address the health challenge faced by the students. This study was aimed at determining the prospects and challenges of the student targeted NHIS in University of Jos health center. A facility based cross sectional study was conducted to obtain a quantitative data from the clinic records of students of the University of Jos registered under the TISHIP scheme between its inception in July 2010 to April 2013 (the study period); and a qualitative assessment of the programme package was obtained through an indepth interview with the NHIS desk officers and of both the University Health Center and TISHIP of the University of Jos. Only the full time students were considered eligible and registered under the TISHIP. Variety of health services ranging from preventive care to diagnosis and treatment are provided at the health centre. About 6308 students have being enrolled under the TISHIP scheme from its inception. Referrals were made to other tertiary institution where the enrollee pays 10% of charges incurred. All full time students of the University of Jos are enrolled into the NHIS through the TISHIP whereby they enjoy a variety of free medical and surgical services. However a few challenges need to be addressed to ensure effective and efficient delivery of health services in the University Health Center.