The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) following allegations of mismanagement of funds and other irregularities. The Committees on Insurance and Actuarial Matters and Healthcare Services have been mandated to lead the probe.
Addressing the Need for Effective Implementation of National Health Insurance Policy
This investigation aims to address the concerns raised and ensure the efficient implementation of the National Health Insurance Policy. The motion to initiate the probe was adopted at the plenary session after being raised by Hon Esosa Iyawe, who highlighted the alleged mismanagement of funds and irregularities within the NHIA.
Challenges with Health Insurance Coverage in Nigeria
Hon Iyawe emphasized the importance of the Health Insurance Policy and the significant budgetary allocations made by the Federal Government to support it. However, despite these allocations, only a small 3% of individuals in the formal sector have access to health insurance, leaving over 170 million Nigerians without coverage.
The NHIA claims that over 10 million Nigerians are enrolled in the program, but reports suggest that only about four million Nigerians are actually covered. This vast disparity raises concerns about the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of the scheme. It is alleged that corruption, irregularities among Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), and ill-treatment of enrollees by healthcare providers have marred the implementation of the program.
Reports of Poor Service Delivery and Mismanagement of Funds
The investigation will also focus on reports of poor service delivery by HMOs and healthcare providers under the NHIA. Enrollees have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of services, deterring them from recommending the scheme to others.
Additional concerns have been raised regarding the alleged stocking of low-quality drugs in separate pharmacies designated for NHIA-covered patients in certain hospitals. There are also allegations that funds intended for the implementation of the national health insurance policy are being mismanaged, with some HMOs failing to remit funds or pay healthcare providers their monthly capitation.
