NHIA Sensitizes Enrollees on Their Right, New Act

From Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi

The National Health Insurance Authority NHIA Bauchi State office has sensitized beneficiaries of the programme on their rights and the new act signed by President Muhammadu Buhari

The Bauchi State coordinator NHIA Aminu Tanimu said "We are here to sensitize the enrollees on the major activities of NHIA , our objective is to ensure that all enrollees know their right and the new act made NHIA complusory to all Nigerians citizen.

Tanimu said the forum was to educate and sensitize service providers and other stakeholders on the new NHIA Act and discuss way forward for improved health status of Nigerians.

AMINU TANIMU
NHIA State Coordinator, Bauchi

“As we have changed from National Health Insurance Scheme ( NHIS)  to National Health Insurance Authority ( NHIA), the NHIA Act was assented by President Muhammadu Buhari in order to achieve universal health coverage and to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare at a very affordable rate,” He advised healthcare service providers to respect the rights and privileges of enrollees for improved health status of Nigerians and cautions healthcare providers on substandard services to enrollees.

He said the authority would not condone sharp practices while urging service providers to discharge their duties without fear or favour. On the complained raised by enrollees at the meeting Tanimu said Most of the compalains are people need branded drugs you can't go and ask for antibiotics what ever ampicillin is going to do the same thing augmentin is going to do branded drugs are only different in name of the companies. 

He said, "the major challenge NHIA are facing was mostly with the state agencies in Bauchi State uptil now we are haven issues on the registration of workers , we are still discussing with the stake bholders so that people in Bauchi will enjoy, How much does it cost for Malaria drugs you have to pay out of your pocket NHIA is now mandatory even Journalist a group of five can join a group of three can also join."

Tanimu said, "if enrolee have any low quality of service he should  report to us we will act remember enrolee have a right to choose another one."