The House of Representatives has charged the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), to undertake a comprehensive review of prices of medications under the National Health Insurance Scheme( NHIS).
The House also resolved to 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. The joint committee is expected to report back to the House within two weeks.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Professor Paul Nnamchi, at Thursday’s plenary, on the need to urgently review the NHIS medicines price list.
Nnamchi, while leading debate on the motion, noted that the NHIS, according to the enabling act, is intended to serve as a critical lifeline for millions of Nigerians, through the provision of affordable and quality healthcare.
Nevertheless, the lawmaker argued that inflation and 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.”
Consequently, Nnamchi noted that, “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.”
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