NHIA signs MoU with Pfizer to increase access to innovative medicine

The National Health Insurance Authority(NHIA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pfizer to expand access to innovative medicine and the reimbursement of antimicrobial agents in Nigeria

The arrangement is an offshoot of the medicines supply initiative rolled out by the agency in October 2021, where a framework was developed to create an enabling environment for pharmacy companies to enter into partnership with the agency through an innovative cost-sharing mechanism to ensure the affordability of drugs for patients at treatment centres.

Speaking on the sideline of the agreement signing ceremony in Abuja, the Pfizer West Africa Country Manager, Olayinka Subair, pointed out that, “Pfizer’s partnership with National Health Insurance Agency is a significant and commendable milestone for infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship programs in Nigeria as it would address key affordability challenges that contribute to high morbidity and mortality in critical care.”

Subair said: “Accessibility and affordability of the right antibiotic when patients present to treatment centres could determine treatment outcomes and, ultimately, survival of patients.”

“Similarly, limited options of antibiotics could lead to over-use of available antibiotics and consequently antimicrobial resistance. The partnership enables Pfizer, NHIA and healthcare institutions to engage in capability-building initiatives that are designed to support the health insurance ecosystem,” he further said.

The Director General of NHIA, Prof. Mohammed Sambo, said his organisation was well positioned to accelerate access with the recent signing of the NHIA act which has expanded coverage for 83 million vulnerable Nigerians.

“The agency will continue to bring affordable and quality healthcare to all Nigerians, with the implementation of its ten-year strategic plan which is presently on course. As a health insurance regulator, we would work with Pfizer, the global drug giant to assiduously achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria,” he added.

“NHIA provides social health insurance in Nigeria where health care services of contributors are paid from the common pool of funds contributed by the participants of the scheme.

“It is a pre-payment plan where participants pay a fixed regular amount. The amount/funds are pooled, allowing the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to pay for those needing medical attention. It is primarily a risk-sharing arrangement which can improve resource mobilization and equity.

It is indeed regarded as the most widely used form of healthcare financing worldwide. NHIA also regulate private health Insurance operated by HMOs.

“Health Insurance is a social security system that guarantees the provision of needed health services to persons on the payment of token contributions at regular intervals,” he further said.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• Ogun PDP Suspends Governorship Aspirant, Four Others Over ‘Illegal’ Primary

• Coroner Says Police Responsible For Oyeleke’s Death During Yoruba Nation Rally

• I Feel Like 18 At 80 —Olubadan

• Benzema wins the 2022 Ballon d’Or

• TUESDAY FLAT OUT: Amosun And The Japa Phenomenon

• EDITORIAL: The Osun Tenant From Hell