Hardship: Review NHIS medicare price list, Reps tell FG
In order to conduct a thorough evaluation of the price list for medications and Medicare under the National Health Insurance Scheme, the House of Representatives has instructed its pertinent committees to communicate with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance made by Paul Nnamchi, a member representing Enugu State's Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, and Julius Ihonvbere, the House Leader, on the urgent need to review the National Health Insurance Scheme's list of prescription drug prices in light of the nation's economic circumstances.
The senator from Enugu stated that the Green Chamber's top priority is the safety and well-being of Nigerians, noting that the NHIS was created to act as a vital lifeline for millions of Nigerians who are required to pay affordable amounts to access healthcare.
"The Nigerian nation is currently grappling with economic hardship, inflationary pressures, and rising costs of living, which have had a profound impact on the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services and medications for many of our citizens, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised segments of society," Nnamchi said in his address to his colleagues during Thursday's plenary.
"As the last NHIS Price List review was in 2021, when the exchange rate was between N400 and N420 NGN to $1 as opposed to the current official rate of N1,594 to $1, the existing medicines price list under the NHIS framework no longer aligns with the current market dynamics and cost structures of pharmaceutical products."
It is becoming more and more difficult for many vulnerable people, particularly the disadvantaged groups in society, to acquire necessary and quality medications in the health management organisations, leading to adverse health outcomes and exacerbating the burden of illness on our healthcare system.”
He emphasised that more lives will be lost if immediate action is not done, especially those of impoverished Nigerians who are fighting for a living.
After passing the motion, the House directed its Committees on Finance, Health Institutions, Healthcare Services, and Specialist Health Services to communicate with the NHIA, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other pertinent agencies to ensure a thorough examination of the NHIA's list of prescription drug prices and to submit a report in a fortnight.
