Medical Union Calls For Amendment Of NHIS Laws

The Nigeria Medical and Health Workers Union has called for amendment of operational laws of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable the agency provide comprehensive services to Nigerians.

Speaking at a two day investigative hearing by the House Committee on Health Services, representative of the Union Chairman, Comrade Azubuike Enwe explained that the current laws of NHIS has tied down workers money and has paved way for diversion in huge sums by Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs).

He wondered at how monies contributed by workers ended up with HMOs, a situation he said, has made it impossible for NHIS to adequately cover health insurers.

Describing HMOs as unnecessary interlopers, he called for direct health service providers under NHIS to enrollees.

“HMOs are unnecessary interlopers and are not supposed to be there at all.”

“There should be direct services between NHIS and Health providers who should render services to enrollees”, he emphasised.

Corroborating his position, the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Waba berated activities HMOs in the last 12 years, saying they are parasites.

He pleaded with the lawmakers to amend NHIS act to purge the agency of waste of resources by those middle men with a view to rendering effective services by the health service providers.