Nigerians are facing higher health insurance premiums as soaring drug prices drive up the cost of medical care. The price of essential medicines, especially imported drugs, has surged, with some malaria treatments now retailing for as much as ₦4,300.

Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) have raised premiums, with some plans increasing by up to 59%, bringing top-tier annual plans to between ₦86,500 and ₦1.939 million. Rising hospital tariffs and higher fees from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have compounded the pressure.

Many Nigerians are struggling to afford coverage, prompting some to downgrade plans or reluctantly choose costlier options. Regulators, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, are investigating high drug prices, while the NHIA plans to review medicine tariffs to ease the burden.

Experts warn that if unchecked, rising costs could slow progress toward universal health coverage in Nigeria. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.