Abuja — National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has disbursed N23 billion to all accredited health care centres in the country.

NHIS South-South Coordinator, Dr Nasiru Okharo, the who made this known while presenting a paper at a seminar in Asaba, said the amount was disbursed to 7, 850 accredited health facilities nationwide.

The seminar was organised by Diamondshield, a health maintenance organisation, in conjunction with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), to raise awareness among Nigerian students on NHIS and how they could benefit.

According to the coordinator, 2.3 million people have registered under the programme by 39 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) spread across the country.

Okharo attributed success of the scheme to the Federal Government's commitment toward provision of accessible and affordable health care service to Nigerians.

"The NHIS is predicated on primary healthcare provision, with tremendous benefits to all contributors," he said.

Also speaking, Coordinator of the seminar, Mrs Benedicta Izuegbu, said the scheme was in line with the Federal Government's National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS).

She said the programme was packaged to make healthcare delivery accessible and affordable to Nigerians, adding that "we want a future where students resident in the state are guaranteed full and affordable healthcare coverage for all illnesses and injuries," she said.

A representative of NANS, Mr Anabali Moses, said students were eager to participate in the scheme, but require information on how to register and access the fund.