Professor Segun Oguntona, a Rheumatology specialist at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Has urged the Nigerian government to extend National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage to include treatments for autoimmune diseases. He made this call during the university’s 122nd inaugural lecture. Themed “Joint Diseases and Internal Organ Complications: Unmasking Immune Tolerance As The Culprit.”
Oguntona emphasized the life-altering effects of rheumatologic disorders. Noting that many patients suffer complications such as kidney and heart failure, lung damage, and even vision loss. He stressed that biologic drugs critical in treating autoimmune diseases are unaffordable for most Nigerians due to their high cost and the lack of insurance coverage.
“These drugs can cost over N500,000 per dose and often require repeated administration. Even those with health insurance plans are not covered for these treatments,” he said.
The professor expressed concern that autoimmune conditions affect individuals regardless of financial status, making out-of-pocket treatment unsustainable for the majority. He compared patient outcomes in Nigeria with those in Asian countries, where public health systems provide free or subsidized access to these medications, resulting in better care.
Highlighting the urgent need for investment in rheumatology, Oguntona also pointed out the shortage of trained professionals, revealing that only one pediatric rheumatologist has been produced in Nigeria in the past two years.
He called for autoimmune diseases to receive the same national attention as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. According to him, improved funding and expanded insurance coverage would reduce patient suffering and ensure timely access to essential medications.
Oguntona concluded by encouraging the government to prioritize rheumatology and revise NHIS policies to include autoimmune treatments, helping to relieve the burden on affected families and enhance health outcomes nationwide.
