The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and key stakeholders have agreed on a new pricing structure for medicines and services. This decision was announced in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the acting Director of Media and Public Relations at NHIA, Emmanuel Ononokpono.

The agreement was reached during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Abuja, where it was decided to implement a 60% increase in capitation and a 40% upward review in the Fee-For-Service (FFS) rates. Capitation and FFS are payment methods used to compensate healthcare providers for services rendered to beneficiaries under the NHIA scheme. The new tariffs are effective immediately and apply to the current services offered under NHIA.

It was noted that the new pricing regime would not affect the ongoing actuarial studies commissioned by the NHIA, with the report expected in September.

The meeting, attended by representatives from the Association of Private Medical Practitioners, Health Maintenance Organisations, the Guild of Medical Directors, and other key players in the health insurance sector, concluded with the endorsement of a six-point communique addressing various resolutions.

To ensure transparency and alignment with sector developments, the forum will hold quarterly meetings.

In his keynote address, NHIA Director General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri emphasized the authority’s commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare to enrollees. He urged stakeholders to prioritize the interests of Nigerians above all else.

Dr. Ohiri also highlighted the necessity of stakeholders’ cooperation in achieving universal health coverage, assuring that NHIA would maintain a close and cordial relationship with all relevant parties. “NHIA does not take its stakeholders for granted. We always appreciate their collaboration within the context of achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage,” he stated.