Health: Lawmakers Demand Implementation Of NHIA Act

The House of Representatives has called for the enrolment of all members of the National Assembly, their spouses, children, dependants and legislative aides under licensed health insurance schemes in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public Importance sponsored by a member from Kaduna State, Amis Magaji, urging the management of the National Assembly to comply with Section 14 of the NHIA Act, which makes health insurance mandatory for every person residing in Nigeria.

Moving the motion, the sponsor said Sections 17(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) require the state to ensure adequate medical and health facilities for all persons, while the NHIA Act mandates universal participation in health insurance by both public and private sector employees.

The lawmaker argued that as Nigeria’s foremost legislative institution, the National Assembly should lead by example in implementing the mandatory health insurance policy, noting that compliance would reinforce adherence to the law and encourage other employers across the country to do the same.

Following the debate, the House urged the National Assembly management to ensure the enrolment of all lawmakers, their spouses, children, dependants and legislative aides under duly licensed health insurance schemes in accordance with the NHIA Act.

The House also called on the National Assembly management to make adequate budgetary provisions to sustain comprehensive health insurance coverage for the beneficiaries through accredited health insurance providers.

In addition, the House mandated its Committees on Health Services and Legislative Compliance to engage the National Assembly management and other relevant stakeholders to determine the modalities and financial implications of implementing the comprehensive health insurance package.

The committees were directed to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji