The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners has praised the House of Representatives for its call to review the price list for medicines and medical services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The association highlighted that this decision is a positive step and could significantly benefit Nigerians if drug pricing under the scheme is revised.
Last Thursday, the House of Representatives urged its relevant committees to engage with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority to conduct a comprehensive review of the NHIS pricing structure for both medicines and medical services.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance, co-sponsored by Paul Nnamchi, who represents the Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, and House Leader Julius Ihonvbere. The motion emphasized the need to adjust the NHIS price list in light of the current economic challenges, stressing that the scheme serves as a crucial lifeline for millions of Nigerians who rely on affordable healthcare access.
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 marginalized 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 subsidizing 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 subsidizing 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 spiraling 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 percent 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 percent 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.”
