NECA calls for immediate reconstitution of nation’s Health Board

Against the backdrop of the recent legislation on the universal health coverage by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for immediate reconstitution of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
board to drive the initiative across the country.
Speaking in Abuja on the eve of the Annual Nigeria Employers’ Summit organised by NECA, the Director-General of the Association, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde noted that the delay in the board reconstitution was not good for the deliverance of health care across the country.
“We are worried that after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the Board would have been reconstituted. 
“The delay, after many weeks is a disservice not only to the Scheme but also to the teeming Nigerians who are meant to benefit from the NHIA,” he said.
The NECA DG noted that governance issues should not be treated with kid gloves as the Board’s statutory role is being compromised. “More worrisome is the violation of the NHIA Act, that created the Board and allocated specific responsibilities to it,” he lamented 
The DG therefore charged the Minister of Health to expeditiously reconstitute the Board for the sake of Health Scheme’s long term sustainability.