TheCable

The federal government panel on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has recommended compulsory health insurance package for all Nigerians.

In its report, a copy of which was obtained by TheCable, the panel urged the federal government to review the NHIS act for it to accommodate all Nigerians.

The committee was set up last year to investigate the crisis at the scheme which followed the suspension of Usman Yusuf, the executive secretary.

Yusuf was suspended by the governing council which accused him of abuse of office and running down the scheme’s finances, all of which he denied.

The panel said the health tariff should also be reviewed for the federal government to be able to reposition the NHIS.

“The effective performance of the Scheme is key to the realization of the Universal Health Coverage agenda of Mr. President. Accordingly, the Panel recommends that: The Scheme should be lCT-driven,” the report read.

“The tariff (Capitation and Fee For Service) should be reviewed tn accordance with the relevant guidelines of the Scheme.

“Government should put in place a ten years strategic plan with key indicators to give the scheme a sense of direction. Government should review the enabling Act to make health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians.

“Government should immediately direct the Overseeing Director to issue letters of De-secondment of the 13 Nos staff of the NHIS irregularly seconded to the Scheme, who were directed to step aside on 8th March, 2017.

“Government should ensure strict fiduciary management of the pooled resources (and) the Scheme should ensure regular stakeholders meeting to evatuate its performance.”

TheCable had reported that the panel also recommended the dismissal of the executive secretary and the dissolution of the governing council.