The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Professor Jesse Uneke, has advocated for the adoption of digital healthcare payment systems in Nigeria, emphasizing its potential to reduce leakages, mitigate security risks, and enhance financial autonomy in healthcare delivery.

Speaking at a workshop attended by stakeholders from the health, financial, and telecommunications sectors, Prof. Uneke, who also leads the African Institute for Health, Policy and Health Systems, highlighted the benefits of digital healthcare payments.

Delivering a lecture titled “How Digital Healthcare Payments Can Drive Access and Affordability in Nigeria”, Uneke outlined that the system would improve patient access, enable installment payment plans for medical expenses, and promote affordability by reducing upfront costs.

He noted that digital payment mechanisms could empower women by enhancing their financial control, which would encourage them to seek health services for themselves and their children. Uneke also pointed out that digital solutions could streamline premium collection for government healthcare initiatives, increasing enrolment and revenue.

However, he cautioned that transitioning to digital healthcare payment systems would require collective efforts from stakeholders, including government agencies, private organizations, community leaders, and NGOs.

The workshop, which featured sessions on digital payment frameworks, policy recommendations, and solution synthesis, is part of an ongoing effort to promote evidence-informed policymaking in Nigeria.