Court orders status quo on NHIS dispute

A Federal High Court in Abuja has advised the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof Yusuf Usman not to take further steps on the issues now before the court. Justice Anwuli Chikere gave the advice to the parties while fixing date for commencement of hearing in the suit challenging the alleged […]

A Federal High Court in Abuja has advised the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof Yusuf Usman not to take further steps on the issues now before the court.

Justice Anwuli Chikere gave the advice to the parties while fixing date for commencement of hearing in the suit challenging the alleged unilateral decisions of Prof Usman in the running of the scheme.

The Incorporated Trustees of Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria, which is an umbrella body of over 30 health management organisations in the country, is demanding an order of injunction restraining the NHIS and the Executive Secretary from exercising the powers of the Governing Council of the organization.

The HMOs, in the suit by their counsel, Victor Abasiakan-Ekim, also wants the court to restrain the NHIS from changing the payment schedule put in place by the Governing Council and from appointing a sole insurance broker for the administration of the scheme.

Dr Tunde Ladele, the chairman of the association, had averred that the Executive Secretary has demanded payment of capitation fees, services fees and administrative charges on monthly basis, as against quarterly basis earlier set by the Governing Council which has been dissolved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He stated that by the decisions of the Executive Secretary the association has “suffered loss and injustice.”

The suit has been adjourned to July 4 for hearing.