Reps Seek Downward Review Of NHIS Medicine Price List

The House of Representatives has mandated its relevant Committees to liaise with the appropriate authorities to take necessary and urgent measures to ensure a comprehensive review of the medicines price list under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, which was moved by Hon. Paul Nnamchi from Enugu state at the plenary on Thursday.

Moving the motion, Nnamchi It should be noted that NHIS, overseen by the National Health Insurance Authority as established by Act 35 of 2022, serves as a critical lifeline for millions of Nigerians and is envisioned to provide access to affordable, essential, and quality healthcare services and medicines for all Nigerians.

He said the nation was grappling with economic hardship, inflationary pressures, and rising costs of living, which have profoundly impacted the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services and medications for many Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised segments of society.

The lawmaker expressed worry that the existing medicine price list under the HIS framework no longer aligns with pharmaceutical products’ current market dynamics and cost structures. The last NHIS Price list review was in 2021, when the exchange rate was between N400- N420 to $1, as against the current official rate of N1,594.34 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 (HMOs), leading to adverse health outcomes and exacerbating the burden of illness on our healthcare system.

“If no urgent action is taken, the loss of lives will continue to deepen, while the economic devastation to the nation will continue to increase. It is imperative to address this pressing issue without delay and take proactive steps to ensure that our NHIS remains effective in providing quality healthcare services to Nigerians,” Nnamchi argued.