The House of Representatives has charged the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority ( NHIA) and all related agencies to undertake a comprehensive review of prices of medications under the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS).
Also, the Green chamber mandate its Committees on Finance, Health Institution, Health care services, and Specialist Health Services to liase with the Health Ministry, NHIA and other relevant agencies to ensure the review and report back within two weeks.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion by the member representing Enugu East/ Isi-uzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Professor Paul Nnamchi, on the urgent need to review the NHIS medicines price list.
Nnamchi in the motion, told the parliament that the act establishing the NHIS, intended it to serve as a lifeline for millions of Nigerians, through the provision of affordable and quality healthcare.
Nevertheless, he posited that the rising cost of living is having a profound impact on the affordablilty and accessibility of the health care services for many citizens, especially the vulnerable members of the society.
According to him, many Nigerians are finding it difficult to access essential and quality medications at the various Health Management Organizations (HMOs), with the attendant consequences.
“Many vulnerable patients especially the marginalized segments of the society are finding it increasingly difficult to get essential and quality medications in the Health Management Organizations (HMO’s), leading to adverse health outcomes and exacerbating the burden of illness on our healthcare system.
“If no urgent action is taken, loss of lives will continue to deepen, while the economic devastation to the nation continue to increase. “It is imperative to address this pressing issue, without delay and take proactive steps to ensure that our NHIS remains effective in fulfilling its mandate of providing quality healthcare services to Nigerians.”
