Pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have called on the Federal Government to urgently investigate the activities of the National Health Insurance System (NHIS). They argue that the current structure benefits only a select few instead of the broader population. ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, made this plea in Lagos during a press briefing ahead of the association’s 43rd Annual National Conference. The conference, themed “Advancing Community Pharmacy Practice through Innovation and Collaboration,” is scheduled to take place from July 22 to July 27, 2024, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Oladigbolu compared the national health insurance issue to “people suffering amidst plenty,” asserting that a well-managed system could address significant health challenges in Nigeria and ensure affordable healthcare access for all. He lamented the poor coverage, with less than five per cent of the population enrolled, of which four per cent are public servants and only 1 per cent are in private service.
“The reality of health insurance in Nigeria is quite dismal,” Oladigbolu said. “The system, copied from successful models in other countries, was not adapted to suit all parties in the industry.” He criticised the fee-for-drug payment model under capitation as economically unsustainable, citing the inefficiency of paying for 1,000 patients monthly regardless of actual treatment numbers. Furthermore, he highlighted that facilities without pharmacists are being compensated for drugs, denying patients the necessary oversight. Oladigbolu called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Consumer Protection Council to address these issues, emphasising that dispensing medicines without a pharmacist’s oversight is a disservice to patients. He noted that despite legal requirements for drugs to be sold or dispensed in registered premises, the NHIS is paying unregistered facilities.
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Pharm. Grace Ikani, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), emphasised the importance of innovation in making a difference, noting that embracing new technologies can offer digital health solutions for communities. “The world is evolving, and technology is essential for modern pharmacy practice,” she said. She also highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among various healthcare professionals to ensure an effective healthcare system.