A Blueprint for a Sharīʿah Compliant Contributory Private Health Care Scheme in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The current health care system in Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), is mostly driven by the government as a public health care scheme. NHIS dates to the pre-civil war period. It became more prominent after the return of the country to a democratic rule in 1999. The scheme was designed based on the conventional insurance principles. Thus, it has some Sharīʿah issues such as elements of gambling (maisīr), uncertainty (gharar) and usury (ribā). Takāful, the Islamic alternative to the conventional insurance, has become operational in the nation. Thus, since the NHIS is not Takaful-based, it faces Sharīʿah compliance challenges. Methodology: This study is accomplished using the doctrinal legal research methodology combined with explorative and analytical techniques. Main Findings: This study found that, for Muslims in Nigeria to key into a public health care scheme like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) without Sharīʿah issues, the government needs to design a sister Takaful-based health care scheme. This is proposed to be known as the “National Health Takaful Scheme (NHTS)”. Thus, the Nigerian public health care scheme would be in two forms: NHIS and NHTS. But, realising this laudable alternative Sharīʿah compliant public health care scheme is not enough to cater for the health care needs of the populace, especially at the grassroot. Therefore, it is necessary to design a Sharīʿah compliant private health care scheme as well. Application of this study: Private Healthcare models proposed in this study can be implemented by Islamic Cooperative Societies or Muslim Organisations. The models can be applied anywhere across the globe. Novelty/ Originality of this study: This study presents a blueprint for the implementation of a Sharīʿah compliant private health scheme in the country. This will afford different grassroot groups, organisations, and institutions, such as Islamic cooperative societies, to be involved.