The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has declared its commitment to reviewing its medicine tariffs due to the significant rise in medical inflation over the past few months. This announcement was made by the Director-general of NHIA Dr Kelechi Ohiri on Tuesday.
He explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy directed at ensuring the affordability, quality and sustainability of medicines under the National Health Insurance Program.
“The aim is to address one of the critical barriers to accessing high-quality healthcare, which is the cost of medicines,” Ohiri said.
He also mentioned that the review process began with a comprehensive meeting involving nearly one hundred stakeholders from various sectors of the health industry, including practitioners, government representatives, hospitals, pharmacists, dentists and health maintenance organisations (HMOs).
Ohiri emphasised that the NHIA is dedicated to improving healthcare access and affordability for all citizens through proactive measures, continued stakeholder engagement and strategic financial disbursements.
In addition to the tariff reviews, the NHIA has launched a medicines initiative designed to guarantee the long-term sustainability and affordability of essential drugs. This initiative aims to combat the effects of medical inflation and ensure that the health insurance programme remains viable and effective for the future.
The NHIA has also accredited multiple healthcare facilities in various states while working closely with state governments to expand coverage and improve access to healthcare services. Efforts include the establishment of state health insurance agencies in additional states, bringing the total to 36 states with active agencies.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by medical inflation and the need for sustainable healthcare financing, Ohiri emphasised that by reviewing and adjusting medicine tariffs, the NHIA aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure that quality care remains accessible. This collaborative effort with stakeholders underscores the commitment to a transparent and inclusive process in addressing critical issues.
Ohiri stressed the importance of this mission, explaining that out-of-pocket expenditure on health drives poverty, lack of productivity, and mortality when people cannot pay for unforeseen health costs, particularly for families dealing with chronic health conditions.
The NHIA will also leverage special funds like the Vulnerable group fund which will grant vulnerable groups access to health insurance benefits including women facing challenges after childbirth, thus significantly improving maternal healthcare.
The current inflation experienced in Nigerian society has unfortunately affected the area of medicine. A review of the medical tariff would hold benefits for the masses under NHIA and grant them seamless access to health care services.
