The House of Representatives has urged its relevant committees to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to review the current price list for medicines and healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This call follows a motion of national public importance sponsored by Professors Paul Nramchi and Julius Ihonvbere, highlighting the need for a price review given Nigeria’s present economic challenges.
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According to the lawmakers, the NHIS, established by Act 35 of 2022, plays a critical role in providing affordable, essential healthcare services and medicines to Nigerians, particularly to vulnerable and marginalized groups. However, the Enugu representative noted that rising inflation and living costs, compounded by a significant shift in the exchange rate from NGN 400-420 per USD in 2021 to NGN 1,594.34 per USD in 2024, have made the current medicines price list outdated and unaffordable for many.
The legislators expressed concern that without an urgent review, many Nigerians will continue to face difficulties in accessing essential medications, which could worsen health outcomes and increase the strain on the healthcare system. They called for immediate action to ensure the NHIS continues to fulfill its mandate of providing quality healthcare services to Nigerians in light of the ongoing economic hardship.
