NHIS: HMOs to Challenge Yusuf’s Recall
Events continue to unfold over the reinstatement of the embattled Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Prof. Usman Yusuf as body of Health Management Organisations (HMOs) kicks saying it will challenge the recall in court.
Chairman, Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN), Dr. Tunde Ladele said the body sees the recall of Yusuf by President Muhammadu Buhari while investigations are still on by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, “as strange” and “disturbing”
Ladele added that the group which is already in court with the executive secretary over some distortions he made in running affairs of the agency “will not hesitate to immediately challenge his reinstatement in the court as well, If he (Yusuf) tries to overturn actions taken while he was away on suspension”.
According to Ladele, ” For example, while the ES was on suspension, the process to create a new consortium of insurance brokers as against a single one he forced on all HMOs was began by the acting secretary, and that process must be completed and allowed to run”.
The HMCAN noted that the forcing of a single broker on all HMOs for indemnity was fraught with fraud and smirks suspicion.
“Yusuf was suspended in July 2017 by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole for three months to allow for an administrative, investigative committee to look into the various allegations, including those of monumental fraud, gross abuse of office and nepotism inimical to the NHIS.
Subsequently, the Minister of Health extended the suspension of the Executive Secretary indefinitely.”
The managers however warned ” in the spirit of transparency, accountability and the stance of government on anti-corruption, the report and investigation should not be swept under the carpet. Doing this will erode public confidence and cast doubt on the sincerity of government”,said Ladele.