The House of Representatives has urged its relevant committees to interface with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority to carry out a comprehensive review of the price list for medicine and medicare under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The resolution was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by a member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Enugu State, Paul Nnamchi, and the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere on the urgent need to review the National Health Insurance Scheme’s medicines price list given the economic situation in the country.
The Enugu lawmaker argued that the safety and well-being of Nigerians are of paramount concern to the Green Chamber, adding that the NHIS was established to serve as a critical lifeline for millions of Nigerians who are required to pay affordable amounts to access healthcare.
Addressing his colleagues during Thursday’s plenary, Nnamchi said, “The Nigerian nation is presently 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.
“The existing medicines price list under the NHIS framework no longer aligns with the current market dynamics and cost structures of pharmaceutical products, as the last NHIS Price List review was in 2021, when the exchange rate was between N400 and N420 NGN to $1 as against the current official rate of N1,594 to $1.
“Many vulnerable patients, especially the marginalised segments of society, are finding it increasingly difficult to get essential and quality medications in the health management organisations, leading to adverse health outcomes and exacerbating the burden of illness on our healthcare system.”
He stressed that if no urgent action is taken, the loss of lives will be on the increase, particularly among poor Nigerians struggling to make a living.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Finance, Health Institutions, Healthcare Services, and Specialist Health Services to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Health, the NHIA, and other relevant authorities in ensuring a comprehensive review of the NHIA’s medicines price list and report back within two weeks.
