FIC Report (Abia State) – The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Abia State Office has assured enrollees under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that generic drugs prescribed in NHIS-accredited hospitals are globally recognized, effective, and of high quality.
The Abia State Coordinator of NHIA, Mrs. Doris Maduekwe, gave the assurance in Umuahia during a Stakeholders’ Forum for Enrollees of MDAs, HMOs, and HCPs, where she emphasized that generic drugs are not inferior substitutes but the standard worldwide for public health insurance schemes.
Maduekwe frowned at reports that some hospitals compel patients to pay for treatments upfront and return later for reimbursement, describing the practice as a clear violation of NHIA operational guidelines.
“We want to sensitize enrollees on the workings of the NHIS programme. Hospitals must not exploit patients. Our guidelines are clear—enrollees are entitled to services without such conditions,” she said.
The stakeholders’ forum, which drew participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Health Care Providers (HCPs), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), enrollees, and the press, also provided updates on new NHIA interventions.
Among them is the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics Care (CEMOC) programme, which offers free services for women with childbirth complications at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Madonna Catholic Hospital Umuahia, Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Living Word Hospital Aba, and General Hospital Aba.
Maduekwe further disclosed that patients living with Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) are also covered under NHIA, with the programme based in Ebonyi State. She added that beneficiaries receive free feeding and transport to the centre.
The forum featured technical presentations by Dr. Elizabeth Umoh, Mrs. Joy Njimogu, and Dr. Joy Chukwu, covering new NHIS programmes and interventions, claims management processes, onboarding of healthcare providers, redress mechanisms, and benefit packages.
During the interactive session, Mr. James Ekeoma, an enrollee representative from Umuenyere Alayi Autonomous Community, lamented that enrollees registered at Amaachara General Hospital, Umuahia had been denied services for over ten months due to ongoing renovations. He called on NHIA to provide alternative service options and ensure value for enrollees’ contributions.
Other participants raised concerns about accountability in the case resolution process. They alleged that some doctors engage in unethical practices, including inflating prescriptions, and urged NHIA to involve patients in providing feedback for greater transparency.
Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of NHIA Director-General/CEO, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the Abia State Coordinator, underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to improve service delivery.
“Our presence and commitment here today signify the importance of partnership in achieving sustainable progress. This forum is about taking feedback that will positively impact our communities and future generations,” she said.
The event, which was held at the Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre, Umuahia, also featured remarks by Dr. Chidoziem Egwunwu, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency, and adoption of resolutions aimed at improving service delivery under the scheme.
The forum ended with closing remarks, a group photograph, and lunch.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State
8th September 2025.
