Posted on: Mon 06-02-2017

The Executive Secretary of the National Health insurance scheme (NHIS) Prof.Usman Yusuf has solicited for the support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Engr. Babachir David Lawal towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

He made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the SGF in his office. 

Yusuf  lamented the failure of some Federal Government Agencies that are yet to key into the Scheme as stipulated in the NHIS Act which  mandates all Federal Government Agencies to subscribe to the NHIS.

He said the appeal became necessary considering the number of these agencies that are yet to comply, which to a large extent hinders the success of the Scheme to cover more Nigerians.

In his remarks, the SGF pointed out that this government places a high priority on the health sector in Nigeria. He said that health is a social service that every responsible Government must provide to its citizens, describing NHIS as a noble creation for the attainment of universal health coverage to all Nigeria.

He thank the Executive Secretary for his visit and commended his focus and determination to reposition the Scheme by ridding it of corruption, being responsive to the enrollees and extending health coverage to more Nigerians particularly the poor.The SGF advised the Executive Secretary to redouble his efforts in educating Nigerians about the Scheme. He also urged him to hold all stakeholders accountable in improving the quality of healthcare services in hospitals.

He  assured the Executive Secretary of his support in making the NHIS work better for all Nigerians and that he will do his best in getting all Federal Government Agencies to subscribe to the Scheme.

In another development,  the Executive Secretary and the NHIS  Management  also visited the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja,  for a courtesy visit to its management to assess services rendered to NHIS enrollees.

Yusuf highlighted some complaints to the NHIS by the enrollees about the hospital.He noted that referral cases are rejected and NHIS enrollees are segregated, adding that  drugs are not always available  for NHIS patients, an act not acceptable to the scheme.
Responding, the Chief Medical Director Dr. (Mrs) C. Igwilo, represented by head of clinical serves, Dr. Felix Roland Bolorunduro stated that all patients, whether NHIS or Private are  treated equally  and that the hospital accepts referral cases except when there is no bed space.

He called on the Government to consider the expansion of the hospital to accommodate more patients as the patronage increases day by day.

ABBA Zayyan

Head Media & Public Relations

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