What if every Nigerian had a unique health identifier that followed them throughout their healthcare journey? This is the vision behind the National Health Number (NHN) initiative proposed by Universal Health Systems Ltd.
What is the National Health Number?
The NHN is a proposed national healthcare access system that would assign every Nigerian citizen a unique health identifier, enabling seamless access to services, continuity of care, and population health management at scale.
Why Nigeria Needs the NHN
Nigeria's healthcare system currently operates in silos. Patient records are fragmented across facilities, making continuity of care difficult. The NHN would address these challenges by creating a single, portable health identity for every Nigerian.
How It Would Work
- Universal Registration: Every Nigerian citizen receives a unique NHN at birth or registration.
- Linked Health Records: All healthcare interactions are linked to the NHN, creating a comprehensive health history.
- Interoperability: Healthcare facilities across Nigeria can access relevant patient information with appropriate consent.
- Government Integration: The NHN integrates with existing government systems, including the National Identity Number (NIN).