The House of Representatives on Thursday tasked the Federal Government with the need to review the price list of medicine and medicare under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The resolution was passed as a sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by Hon. Paul Nnamchi and Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, who expressed concerns over the current economic situation in the country.
In his lead debate, Hon. Nnamchi 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.
He 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.”
Hon. Nnamchi stressed that if no urgent action is taken, the loss of lives will be on the increase, particularly among poor Nigerians struggling to eke out a living.
Hence, the House mandated the relevant Standing Committees to interface with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority with a view to carrying out a comprehensive review of the price list for medicine and medicare under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
To this end, the House mandated the joint 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.
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