The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has declared that it will evaluate drug rates in response to Nigeria’s considerable increase in medical inflation over the last several months.
On Monday, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, NHIA’s Director-General and CEO, briefed reporters in Abuja on the latest developments.
According to Dr. Ohiri, the project is part of a larger plan to guarantee that medications covered by the national health insurance program are affordable, of high quality, and sustainable.
The assessment process began with a comprehensive gathering of almost 100 stakeholders from all sectors of the health business.
Stakeholders include practitioners, government officials, hospitals, pharmacies, dentists, and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
He underlined that the authority’s proactive action demonstrates its commitment to enhancing everyone’s access to and affordability of healthcare.
Dr. Ohiri announced the establishment of a medical initiative aimed at ensuring the cost and long-term viability of necessary medications.
The goal of this project is to counteract the impacts of medical inflation and guarantee the health insurance program’s continued viability and efficacy.
According to Dr. Ohiri, “By reviewing and adjusting medicine tariffs, NHIA aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure that quality care remains accessible.” This statement acknowledges the difficulties caused by medical inflation and the necessity for sustainable healthcare finance.
“A commitment to a transparent and inclusive process in addressing these critical issues is highlighted by the collaboration with stakeholders.”
Nigerians’ health and well-being will be supported by NHIA, which is prepared to improve the country’s health insurance program and make targeted cash disbursements.
Dr. Ohiri also revealed that the NHIA has accredited a number of medical institutions in different states, enabling them to collaborate closely with state authorities to increase coverage and enhance access to healthcare services.
This effort includes the establishment of state health insurance agencies in additional states, bringing the total to 36 states with active agencies.
The agency has said it is committed to boosting enrollment in the national health insurance system while simultaneously working with partners to improve the quality of services in both the public and private sectors.
