NATIONAL HEALTH ACT, 2014
Act · Health
Policy date: 2014-01-01
An Act establishes a framework for regulating and managing Nigeria's national health system, including the rights of healthcare users. It targets federal and state health authorities, healthcare providers, and all Nigerians as service users. This ensures access to basic health services and accountability in health governance.
NATIONAL HEALTH ACT, 2014
What Is This Policy?
Nigeria's principal health sector legislation establishing a framework for the regulation, development, and management of a national health system, and setting out the rights and duties of healthcare providers and users.
Who Does It Target?
Federal, state, and local government health authorities Healthcare providers in public and private sectors All Nigerians as users of healthcare services The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Provide a legal framework for a functional national health system, ensure every Nigerian can access a minimum package of health services, and establish accountability in health sector governance.
Key Features
Basic Health Care Provision Fund: Establishes a dedicated fund to finance primary health care, health insurance for the poor, and emergency medical treatment. Minimum Package: Every person in Nigeria has a right to a minimum package of basic health services regardless of ability to pay. Emergency Care: No health facility may refuse emergency care to any patient; emergency treatment may not be withheld pending payment. Health Rights: Codifies patients' rights including informed consent, privacy, and access to their own health records.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — Basic Health Care Provision Fund being operationalised Coverage: Nationwide health system Beneficiaries: All Nigerians; primary health care users especially the poor Funding: 1% of Consolidated Revenue Fund; international donor health funding
How to Access
Emergency care: present at any health facility — treatment cannot be withheld Routine primary care: attend designated PHC in your catchment area National Health Insurance: enroll through employer or NHIA Application method: Access primary health care at nearest PHC. Emergency care at any public or private facility.
Important Terms
Refusing emergency care to any patient is a criminal offence Patients must give informed consent before treatment Patient records are confidential and protected
Impact & Metrics
Established the legal framework for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria; Basic Health Care Provision Fund began disbursements to states.
Official Resources
Website: https://www.health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health
Legal Framework
The National Health Act 2014 is the primary legislation governing Nigeria's health system. It derives constitutional authority from Section 17(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (government obligation to provide health services). The Act aligns with Nigeria's obligations under the WHO Constitution, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-Being), the Abuja Declaration (15% health budget target), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (right to health).