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The Chairman of the Mid-Year Meeting Planning Committee of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, I.G Anukwu, has said the 2026 Mid-Year Meeting will feature the 8th Public Lecture aimed at drawing national attention to key health issues.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Fellows, Uchenna Apakama, Anukwu said the Board of Fellows is the body of distinguished pharmacists drawn from different sectors of the profession.
He noted that fellowship is the highest honour PSN bestows on members in recognition of notable contributions and that the Board is committed to advancing pharmacy for the health and social welfare of Nigerians.
He disclosed that the 2026 Mid-Year Meeting of the BOF will feature the 8th Public Lecture to be delivered on July 15, 2026 at the Lagos Marriott Hotel by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, Kelechi Ohiri. The theme of the lecture is “Insurance-Based Healthcare Financing: Key to Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.”
Two other papers will also be presented. The Managing Director of Hygeia HMO, John Iwuajoku, will speak on “Health Equity: The Significant Role of Private Sector in Achieving Universal Health Coverage,” while Prof. Lere Baale, President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, will speak on “The Critical Role of Community Pharmacists in Achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
Anukwu said the lecture was convened because 21 years after the National Health Insurance Scheme was launched in 2005, the country has only achieved between 5 and eight per cent coverage.
He noted that the scheme was designed to ensure Nigerians have access to affordable, quality healthcare through a prepayment system, but low coverage raises questions that need answers from NHIA, stakeholders, healthcare practitioners, and citizens.
He added that a panel discussion will follow the presentations with the President of Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili, and the Chairman of the Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria, Abdulkadri Osumah, expected to join the speakers to respond to questions.
