In a bold step to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies to produce NHIA-branded drugs. This move is aimed at increasing access to affordable and high-quality medications for enrollees under the national health insurance scheme.
The announcement was made by Mr. Babajide Daramola, NHIA Coordinator in Oyo State, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
“We are working with pharmaceutical companies under signed agreements to roll out NHIA-branded medications that will be distributed to all NHIA-accredited healthcare facilities across the country,” Daramola said.
Enhancing Trust in Health Insurance Through Quality Medication
The production of NHIA-branded medicines is expected to address common complaints about the quality and availability of drugs provided under the health insurance scheme. Daramola emphasized that this initiative will help restore public confidence and improve perceptions of the NHIA programme.
“This is part of our commitment to providing efficient and transparent healthcare services. Implementation will begin this year, and we are fully on top of it,” he added.
He urged all NHIA enrollees to report poor treatment or drug shortages at their healthcare centers. According to him, any enrollee who is forced to purchase drugs outside their facility can receive a reimbursement—but only if a formal complaint is submitted.
NHIA Reaffirms Use of Safe, Generic Medications
Addressing concerns about medication quality, Daramola explained that the NHIA, like most global health insurance systems, relies primarily on generic drugs, which are cost-effective and chemically identical to branded versions.
“Generic medications are the global standard—even in countries like the UK, USA, and Germany. They have the same potency and therapeutic effects,” he clarified.
Mixed Reactions from Enrollees
Despite the proactive plans, some NHIA enrollees continue to express frustration with drug access.
- Mrs. Esther Adedeji, an enrollee at the NHIA pharmacy in University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, noted: “I’ve visited multiple times, and they rarely have the prescribed drugs. I end up buying them outside at higher prices.”
- Mr. Anthony Yusuf shared: “The drugs given are often of low quality, and they tell us our HMO doesn’t cover certain essential medications.”
- Mr. Francis Ogunsola added: “Sometimes drugs are available, other times not. But when they are, it really helps.”
Medical Experts Call for Improved Funding and Monitoring
Dr. Happy Adedapo, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Oyo State, linked the drug shortages to rising pharmaceutical costs and inconsistent funding.
“The government must increase funding and enforce proper monitoring of NHIA activities. Many promising healthcare reforms remain unfulfilled,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to invest in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure to reduce the trend of medical tourism among public officials.
“We need to tackle corruption and ensure public funds are used effectively,” he added.
Rebranding NHIS to NHIA
Mr. Daramola also reminded Nigerians that the scheme formerly known as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is now officially the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), following the enactment of the NHIA Act on May 19, 2022.
This new structure is designed to strengthen governance, improve coverage, and expand access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
