The Role of Taxation in Funding Health Sector Initiatives in Nigeria: A Case Study of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
- Project Research
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- Table of Content: Available
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Background of the Study
The Nigerian health sector faces significant challenges, including inadequate funding, infrastructure, and access to care. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established in 2005 to address these challenges by providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to all Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable populations (Adekunle & Fagbohun, 2023).
Tax revenue plays a vital role in financing the NHIS, supporting its operations, and ensuring sustainability. In recent years, the Nigerian government has increasingly relied on tax revenue to fund healthcare initiatives, including expanding the NHIS to more regions and improving coverage for low-income households (Ogunseye & Hassan, 2024).
However, the extent to which tax revenue has been effectively utilized to fund the NHIS and improve healthcare delivery is unclear. This study explores the role of taxation in funding the NHIS and evaluates the impact of this funding on healthcare access and quality in Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the significant tax revenue allocated to the health sector, funding for the NHIS has remained insufficient to meet the healthcare needs of the population. There are concerns about the efficiency of tax allocation to the NHIS and the sustainability of the scheme in the long run (Micheal & Usman, 2024).
This study examines the relationship between tax revenue and the funding of the NHIS, assessing how well this funding has supported health initiatives and improved healthcare outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the role of tax revenue in funding the NHIS.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of tax-funded initiatives in improving healthcare access and quality.
- To recommend ways to optimize tax revenue for better health sector outcomes.
Research Questions
- How is tax revenue allocated to the NHIS?
- What impact has tax funding had on healthcare access and quality in Nigeria?
- How can tax revenue be better utilized to enhance healthcare outcomes through the NHIS?
Research Hypotheses
- Tax revenue plays a significant role in funding the NHIS.
- Tax-funded initiatives have positively impacted healthcare access and quality in Nigeria.
- Optimizing tax revenue utilization will enhance the effectiveness of the NHIS.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on the role of tax revenue in funding the NHIS from 2018 to 2025. Limitations include challenges in accessing detailed government financial records and potential biases in the evaluation of healthcare outcomes.
Definitions of Terms
- Taxation: The system of levying taxes to fund government operations and services.
- National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS): A government initiative aimed at providing affordable healthcare to Nigerians.
- Healthcare Access and Quality: The availability and quality of healthcare services provided to the population.
