By Muhsin Ibrahim
I wrote about using out-of-pocket money to pay for healthcare in Nigeria a few days ago, which pushes people into poverty. Coincidentally, BBC Hausa had a report on it this morning. The Daily Reality also published an opinion article about it (I shared it earlier).
Most countries of the world have health insurance. It’s, in fact, a necessary requirement to stay in those countries. Why are we doing things differently and wrongly in Nigeria? Less than 10 per cent of Nigerians have health insurance today.
It is undeniable that sickness can strike us at any moment, irrespective of our financial standing. In such a situation, insurance comes to your rescue. Many insurances don’t cover all expenses, but often, they reduce them. So, if some good companies offer such a service, join them.
In all this, governments at all levels have to come in. They should make health insurance mandatory for everyone. Often, the monthly contributions are affordable. Even if you don’t get sick often, it’s important to remember that you are not immune to illness.
I also believe it’s halal to subscribe to the health insurance scheme. Yes, I am not a religious scholar. However, based on some rulings that I am familiar with, it’s not haram to do so.
May Allah guide and provide us with more, amin.
Muhsin Ibrahim is a Nigerian who teaches Hausa at the University of Cologne, Germany.