The House of Representatives has called for comprehensive review of the medicines price list under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enhance access to medicines for subscribers.
The call followed the adoption of motion by Rep. Paul Nnamchi (LP-Enugu State) and Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) at plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion earlier, Nnamchi said that the safety and well-being of Nigerians is of paramount concern to the parliament.
He said that the NHIS, which is being overseen by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) as established by Act 35 of 2022, serves as a critical lifeline for millions of citizens.
He explained that the scheme was envisioned to provide access to affordable, essential and quality healthcare services and medicines for all Nigerians.
The lawmaker said “Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship, inflationary pressures and rising cost of living, with profound impact on the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services.
“The situation has affected access to medications for many citizens, particularly the vulnerable ones, as existing medicine price list under the NHIS framework no longer aligns with the current market dynamics and cost structures of pharmaceutical products.
“The last NHIS price list review was in 2021 when the exchange rate was between N400 and N420 to a dollar, as against the current official rate of N1,594.34 to a dollar.”
Nnamchi, therefore, called for prompt action to save peoples’ lives.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committees on Legislative Compliance, Finance, Health Institutions, HealthCare Services, and Specialist Health Services to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Health, NHIA, and other relevant authorities to take urgent measures to review the NHIS medicines price.
The committees are to report back to the house within two weeks for further legislative actions. (NAN)
