By Aaior K. Comfort
The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to investigate claims of significant inefficiency in the operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This decision aims to recommend improvements to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness for Nigerians.
The inquiry follows a motion by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori (PDP, Adamawa), who highlighted the extremely poor services provided by Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and both private and public healthcare facilities. Laori referenced the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA) 2022, which aims to promote and regulate health insurance schemes, ensuring mandatory coverage for all Nigerians and establishing subsidies for vulnerable populations.
Laori noted that since the passage of the NHIA, the scheme has received annual budgetary support from the National Assembly. However, he expressed concern over the alleged inadequate service delivery, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, amid rising economic challenges due to the removal of fuel subsidies.
He criticized the treatment of enrollees by healthcare providers, stating that patients are often treated with disdain and face unnecessary delays, which leads many to seek alternative payment options for medical services to avoid frustration. This situation has reportedly eroded trust in the NHIS, as many patients feel dehumanized and marginalized.
Laori emphasized that the recurring issues of out-of-stock medications and consumables within HMOs necessitate thorough investigation. He expressed alarm at reports of enrollees being forced to purchase medications outside their HMO networks without reimbursement, raising concerns about the integrity of the health insurance program.
He warned that such unchecked practices could undermine citizens’ trust in the scheme, posing a serious risk to Nigeria’s overall productivity and the administration’s efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The ongoing allegations of poor service and mistreatment of enrollees further underscore the need for urgent action to restore faith in the health insurance system.