Awareness and Uptake of the National Health Insurance Scheme Services Among Community Pharmacy Customers in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria

The National Health Insurance Scheme was established to provide financial risk protection for healthcare expenditures in Nigeria. Despite its potential to improve access to medicines and pharmacy services, coverage remains limited, particularly among informal sector workers. This study assessed awareness and uptake of National Health Insurance Scheme services among community pharmacy customers in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 customers across 20 accredited and non-accredited community pharmacies in three area councils. Variables assessed included awareness of the scheme, enrollment status, pharmacy utilization under the scheme, and reasons for non-enrollment. Results showed that while 73 percent of respondents had heard of the National Health Insurance Scheme, only 31 percent were currently enrolled. Among enrolled participants, 58 percent had used pharmacy services under the scheme within the past year, but drug availability under scheme reimbursement was cited as a concern by 43 percent. Barriers to enrollment among non-participants included complex registration processes, employer non-participation, and perceived slow claims reimbursement. The study recommends simplified enrollment processes, expansion to include informal sector workers, and capacity building for community pharmacies to serve as essential medicine dispensing points under the scheme. A pharmacist advocacy campaign aligned with Nigeria's Universal Health Coverage goals is proposed. Keywords: National Health Insurance Scheme, community pharmacy, Abuja, health coverage, pharmaceutical access