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NASHIA Enrollees Decry Alleged Neglect, Incomplete Drug Supply At Nasarawa Model Hospital

Patients enrolled under the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA) at the Nasarawa Model Hospital, located in Nasarawa town, the headquarters of Nasarawa Local Government Area, have raised concerns over what they describe as persistent neglect and unfair treatment by the hospital management.

The affected patients, who spoke to Ideal Reporters, alleged that for several months they have received little or no medical attention, a situation they say began sometime last year.

According to the enrollees, the problem reportedly started after doctors allegedly directed nurses not to attend to NASHIA patients unless expressly instructed. They claimed that in the absence of doctors, patients are often left unattended regardless of the severity of their condition.

Further compounding their plight, the patients alleged that the NASHIA desk within the hospital has failed to clear them for laboratory tests and access to prescribed medications. They attributed this to a directive allegedly issued by the Medical Superintendent (MS), insisting that no NASHIA patient should be attended to without his personal approval.

“As it stands, even when we come with serious health issues, nothing is done unless the MS is around to give clearance,” one of the patients lamented.

In addition, the patients complained of receiving incomplete medications at the pharmacy, even when doctors had prescribed full doses. They alleged that this has further worsened their conditions, as they are either forced to purchase the remaining drugs out-of-pocket or go without complete treatment.

Efforts to reach the Medical Superintendent for comments proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. However, some hospital staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, linked the development to alleged poor remittances from the NASHIA office to the hospital management.

Despite this, affected patients insist that they should not be made to suffer for administrative issues. They argued that since deductions are made regularly from their salaries under the scheme, they are entitled to timely and adequate healthcare services.

“We are fulfilling our obligations under the scheme. The hospital and NASHIA should resolve their differences without putting our lives at risk,” another enrollee stated.

The patients have therefore called for the urgent intervention of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, urging him to address the situation in line with the healthcare vision of Governor Abdullahi Sule, which prioritizes accessible and affordable medical care for all residents.

They warned that continued neglect, coupled with inadequate drug supply, could lead to worsening health conditions and possible loss of lives if immediate action is not taken.