Breaking: Senate Orders NHIS Boss To Go After Indebted HMOs, Set To Sanction Defiants.
By Lazarus Zakaa, Abuja
The Nigerian senate has called on Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO’s) still indebted to the National Health insurance scheme to clear up their debt within 90 days or face the full wrath of the law.
The National Health Insurance scheme is a creation of NHIS Act 35 of 1999 and amended in 2004 with mandate to ensure Nigerians have access to quality and affordable health care services.
Since it’s establishment, the scheme has been engulf in series of crisis, key of which is the multi billion naira corruption allegation that led to the suspension and eventual removal of it Executive Secretary.
In a motion sponsored by Senator representing Kwara central , Oloriegbe Ibrahim, the lawmaker raised alarm over the activities of some suspended HMO’s, still providing services illegally.
He further called for a thorough investigation into the activities of the NHIS.
Some senators at the plenary took turns to speak on why adequate attention should be paid on the scheme .
Meanwhile, senate president, Ahmed Lawal appealed to his colleagues to give the new NHIS Executive Secretary time to settle down.
The upper legislative chamber urged the agency to as a matter of urgent national importance address report of alleged discrimination being experience by the NHIS enrollees .
