NHIS Partners with Medical Nutrition and Dietetics Department to Boost Healthcare through Food Production in Taraba state.

In a landmark collaboration, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has joined forces with the Department of Medical Nutrition and Dietetics at the Jalingo Specialist Hospital to revolutionize healthcare services in Nigeria. The partnership, formalized on January 29, 2025, at the NHIS building, aims to promote healthy living, preventive care, and improved health outcomes through food production.

At the heart of this initiative is the conviction that food plays a critical role in healthcare. As emphasized by Mrs. Grace Stephen, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, "Food production is key to promoting healthy living and lifestyles among the public." She highlighted the importance of carbohydrates, such as yam flour and sweet potatoes, which can be recommended for diabetic patients depending on their sugar levels.

 The Department of Medical Nutrition and Dietetics will provide NHIS with technical expertise on nutrition and dietetics, including the development of guidelines and protocols for nutrition and dietetics services. The department will offer training and capacity-building programs for NHIS staff and healthcare providers on nutrition and dietetic. The partnership seeks to enhance health outcomes for millions of Nigerians, particularly those living with diabetic diseases. By promoting local food production, the initiative aims to reduce the burden of healthcare costs on individuals and families.

The collaboration between NHIS and the Department of Medical Nutrition and Dietetics is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the healthcare sector in Nigeria. By integrating food production into healthcare services, the partnership will:

By emphasizing the importance of healthy eating, the initiative will encourage preventive care and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases. The partnership will lead to better health outcomes for patients, particularly those with diabetic diseases. By promoting local food production, the initiative will contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

The partnership between NHIS and the Department of Medical Nutrition and Dietetics marks a significant milestone in the quest to improve healthcare services in Nigeria. By harnessing the power of food production, the initiative has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape and promote healthy living among Nigerians.