Dr. Sanda lamented the turbulence and lull in the progress of health insurance in the country, stating that it was a fundamental factor in the choice of the theme for this year’s conference.

He opined that though there are many hurdles to cross, from the growing national population to the bad health indices and bad budget allocation for health, these “hurdles are surmountable”.

He urged the government and all stakeholders to “wake up” the National Health Insurance Scheme that has been in “deep slumber” since its implementation in 1999.

Dr. Sanda, cited a lack of sincerity on the part of the government as one of the major reasons why the scheme has failed to take off as it should. He also implored the government to carry the private sector along as they cannot do it alone. He called on the federal government to look at a decentralized primary health care explaining that while they spend so much money on tertiary health care institution, they have failed to look at the grassroots.

Dr. Ebun Shonaya who was the keynote address speaker keenly lamented the state of health care financing in Nigeria. He stated that NHIS was not empowered by the law to hold on to the funds but are empowered to oversee the HMO and other health care providers within the scheme.

He stated that funds being held by NHIS belonged to the civil servants as it is their premium but NHIS has decided to handle the funds as they deem fit.

He applauded the idea of the scheme as a“very nice thing to do” as it translates into better health care services provided for all citizens and that doctors were in total support of the scheme. He, however, stated that “if it involved putting money in the hands of certain individuals in the government that cannot be called to order, then it’s not”. In that light he advised that it would be better if every state was in charge of their own health insurance scheme, stating that the government doesn't “need to centralize everything”.

He urged all state governments to work with the federal government, explaining that if the states can mobilize their own health care coverage, then it would become universal for the country. He also tasked the federal government to let the rule of law prevail and also bring all those that have mismanaged the NHIS funds to book.

Dignitaries present at the event included: Dr.Leke Pitan, former Commissioner for Health, Lagos State; Dr. (Mrs.) AdenikeOlanibe, Immediate Past President HCPAN; Pharm (Mrs.) Biola Paul- Ozieh, Immediate Past Chairman ACPN Lagos.

Source: Pharmatimes