Lara Adejoro
Members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners have commended the House of Representatives for calling for the review of the price list for medicine and Medicare under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The association said the decision by the lower house is encouraging and will be beneficial to Nigerians if the drug pricing is reviewed.
The House of Representatives had last Thursday 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 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.”
Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the President of the ANPMP, Dr Kayode Adesola said the move by the representatives shows they are sensitive to the plights of Nigerians.
Adesola stated, “It is very encouraging to learn that the House of Representatives under the leadership of the honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, has decided to devote more time and resources to the welfare and the health of the common man. It shows they are sensitive to the plight of the citizens who can no longer afford their medications. God bless Prof Nnamchi and Prof Ihonvbere for championing this cause.
“We are aware of the ongoing actuarial studies being carried out by the NHIA consultants in their quest to get proper pricing of services. It is hoped we the providers will not have to suspend services till they get appropriate pricing of the capitation and fee-for-service right. The truth remains that we the providers have been subsidising the scheme.
“It is well known Nigerians will benefit immensely from a well-managed Health Insurance Scheme. One that is equitable and not one in which providers are made to carry all the burdens of inflation. The enrolees can no longer be guaranteed optimal health care by those giving them care due to grossly inadequate funding with prices stagnated since 2011.”
The President said the providers are tired of subsidising the health care delivery to the citizens and the intervention of the House of Representatives will go a long way to serve as a catalyst to the efforts made in the last few months.
“It is indeed a welcome action and it’s well appreciated. Our clime has become too harsh for the citizens who are majorly out-of-pocket patients but can no longer cope because of the spiralling inflation and cost of healthcare delivery including such significant overheads as electricity supply. Providers are choking terribly. Many have already withdrawn their services while it is difficult to guarantee the quality of services being rendered by many.
“We pray the House of Representatives follows this declaration to a conclusive end and as soon as possible. Health Insurance remains the only known available panacea for the provision of quality healthcare for all,” he added.
In August, the NHIA said the total enrolment rate for health insurance at the national and state levels has gone up significantly by 11 per cent over the past year.
The Director General of the NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri noted, “From the low base of an estimated 16 million enrolment into various schemes across the country in Q4 2023, total national enrolment now stands at about 18.7 million. This translates to an increase of about 11 per cent in less than one year, an indication that the ongoing efforts by the NHIA and various state government institutions working in the health insurance space are yielding fruit.
“This enrolment figure has also already surpassed the presidential target for the year by 8 per cent demonstrating its capability of meeting and exceeding the 2027 target.”
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