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NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME ACT
Arrangement of Sections
Part I: Establishment Of The National Health Insurance Scheme, Etc.
1. | Establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme. | 2. | Establishment of the Governing Council. | 3. | Tenure of office. |
4. | Cessation of membership. |
Part II: Objectives, Functions And Powers Of The Scheme
5. | Objectives of the Scheme. | 6. | Functions of the Scheme. | 7. | Functions of the Council. |
Part III: Staff Of The Scheme
8. | Executive Secretary and other staff of the Scheme. | 9. | Appointment of an actuary for the Scheme. | 10. | Service in the Scheme to be pensionable. |
Part IV: Financial Provisions
11. | Fund, etc. | 12. | Power to accept gifts. | 13. | Annual estimate, account and audit. |
14. | Annual report. | 15. | Exemption from tax. |
Part V: Contributions, Etc.
16. | Duty to pay contributions under the Scheme. | 17. | Registration: employers and employees. | 18. | Registration: health care providers. |
19. | Registration: health maintenance organisations. | 20. | Functions of organisations. |
Part VI: Zones and Zonal Health Insurance Offices
21. | Establishment of Zones and Zonal Health Insurance Offices. | 22. | Functions of Zonal Offices. | 23. | Fund of Zonal Offices. |
24. | Revision of rates of contributions. | 25. | Inspection of books of account by auditors. |
Part VII: Arbitration
26. | Establishment and functions of State and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Arbitration Board. | 27. | Membership of Arbitration Board. |
Part VII: Offences, Penalties And Legal Proceedings
28. | Offences and penalties. | 29. | Offences by bodies corporate, etc. | 30. | Prosecution of offenders. |
31. | Jurisdiction. | 32. | Court to order payment of contributions together with interest and penalty. | 33. | Commencement of proceedings. |
34. | Limitation of suits against the Scheme, etc. | 35. | Service of documents. | 36. | Restriction on execution against property of the Scheme. |
37. | Indemnity of officers. | 38. | Secrecy. | 39. | Contributions to be inalienable. |
40. | Contributions to be deductible. | 41. | Transfer of liability to contribute in the case of mergers, acquisitions, etc. |
Part IX: Miscellaneous
42. | Exclusion from application of Cap. 449 LFN. | 43. | Reciprocal agreement with other countries.. | 44. | Contributions by members of the armed forces and the police. |
45. | Insurance indemnity of health care providers. | 46. | Establishment of a Standard Committee, etc. | 47. | Power of the Minister to give directives. |
48. | Guidelines. | 49. | Regulations. | 50. | Interpretation. |
51. | Citation. |
National Health Insurance Scheme Act
[COMMENCEMENT] [10th May 1999]
The [Federal Government] Hereby Enacts As Follows
Part I: Establishment, etc. of the National Health Insurance Scheme
(2) The Scheme –
(a) shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal; and
(b) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(2) The Council shall consist of the following members –
(a) the Chairman, who shall be appointed by the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on the recommendation of the Minister of Health;
(b) one person to represent the Federal Ministry of Health;
(c) one person to represent the Federal Ministry of Finance;
(d) one person to represent the Office of Establishment and Management Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation;
(e) one person to represent the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association;
(f) one person to represent the Nigeria Labour Congress;
(g) one person to represent the registered health maintenance organisations;
(g) one person to represent the private health care providers;
(h) two persons to represent public interest; and
(i) the Executive Secretary of the Scheme who shall also be the Secretary to the Council.
(3) The Chairman shall be appointed from the private sector be a person of relevant high education, knowledge and integrity.
(4) The other members of the Council shall –
(a) be persons of proven integrity; and
(b) be appointed by the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on the recommendation of the Minister.
(5) The supplementary provisions set out in the Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to the proceedings of the Council and the other matters contained therein.
(2) The members of the Council shall be paid such remunerations and allowances as the Federal Government may, from time to time, determine for the Chairmen and members of statutory boards generally.
(3) A member of the Council, other than an ex-officio member, may resign his appointment by notice, in writing under his hand, addressed through the Minister, to the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, which resignation shall take effect only on acknowledgement by the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
(a) he becomes of unsound mind; or
(b) he becomes bankrupt or makes a compromise with his creditors; or
(c) he is convicted of a felony or of any offence involving dishonesty; or
(d) he is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties.
(2) A member of the Council may be removed from office by the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on the recommendation of the Minister if he is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Scheme or the interest of the public that the member should continue in office.
(3) Where a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Council, it shall be filled by the appointment of a successor to hold office for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor, so however, that the successor shall represent the same interest and shall be appointed by the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Part II: Objectives, Functions and Powers of the Scheme
(a) ensure that every Nigerian has access to good health care services;
(b) protect families from the financial hardship of huge medical bills;
(c) limit the rise in the cost of health care services; (d) ensure equitable distribution of health care costs among different income groups;
(d) maintain high standard of health care delivery services within the Scheme;.
(f) ensure efficiency in health care services;
(g) improve and harness private sector participation in the provision of health care services;
(h) ensure adequate distribution of health facilities within the Federation;
(i) ensure equitable patronage of all levels of health care;
(j) ensure the availability of funds to the health sector for improved services.
(a) registering health maintenance organisations and health care providers under. the Scheme;
(b) issuing appropriate guidelines to maintain the viability of the Scheme;
(c) approving format of contracts proposed by the health maintenance organisations for all health care providers;
(d) determining, after negotiation, capitation and other payments due to health care providers, by the health maintenance organisations;
(e) advising the relevant bodies on inter-relationship of the Scheme with other social security services;
(f) the research and statistics of matters relating to the Scheme;
(g) advising on the continuous improvement of quality of services provided under the Scheme through guidelines issued by the Standard Committee established under section 45 of this Act;
(h) determining the remuneration and allowances of all staff of the Scheme;
(i) exchanging information and data with the National Health Management Information System, Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Office of Statistics, the Central Bank of Nigeria, banks and other financial institutions, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the State Internal Revenue Services and other relevant bodies;
(j) doing such other things as are necessary or expedient for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Scheme under this Act.
(a) manage the Scheme in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
(b) determine the overall policies of the Scheme, including the financial and operative procedures of the Scheme;
(c) ensure the effective implementation of the policies and procedures of the Scheme;
(d) assess, from time to time, the research, consultancy and training programmes relative to the Scheme;
(e) arrange for the financial and medical audit of the Zonal Health Insurance Offices established under section 21 of this Act;
(f) set guidelines for effective co-operation with other organisations to promote the objectives of the Scheme;
(g) co-ordinating quarterly returns from the Zonal Health Insurance Offices;
(h) ensuring public awareness about the Scheme;
(i) co-ordinating manpower training under the Scheme;
(j) carry out such other activities as are necessary and expedient for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Scheme as set out in this Act.
Part III: Staff of the Scheme
(2) The Executive Secretary shall –
(a) be a person with relevant qualification and experience;
(b) be the chief executive and accounting officer of the Scheme
(c) hold office –
(i) for a period of 5 years in the first instance and may be re-appointed for a further term of 5 years and no more; and
(ii) on such terms and conditions as may be specified in his letter of appointment.
(3) The Executive Secretary shall, subject to the general direction of the Council, be responsible for –
(a) the day-to-day administration of the Scheme;
(b) keeping the books and proper records of the proceedings of the Council;
(c) the administration of the secretariat of the Council; and
(d) the general direction and control of all other employees of the Scheme.
(4) The Council shall –
(a) appoint, for the Scheme, such number of directors and other employees as may, in the opinion of the Council, be required to assist the Council in the discharge of any of its functions under this Act; and
(b) pay to persons so appointed such remuneration (including allowances) as the Council may, after consultation with the Federal Civil Service Commission, determine.
(2) The actuary shall review the Scheme and evaluate it actuarially, including the rates of contributions payable under the Scheme and make appropriate recommendations to the Council.
(3) If, having regard to the review and evaluation carried out by the actuary under subsection (2) of this section, the Council considers that the rates of contributions have not retained their value in relation to the general level of earning obtaining in Nigeria, the Council may modify the rates to the extent considered appropriate and bring the new rates to the notice of the persons affected by the modification.
(2) Employees of the Scheme shall be entitled to pensions, gratuities and other retirement benefits as are enjoyed by persons holding equivalent grades in the civil service of the Federation.
(3) Nothing in subsections (1) and (2) of this section or in this Act shall prevent the appointment of a person to any office on terms which preclude the grant of pension and gratuity in respect of that office.
(4) For the purposes of the application of the provisions of the Pensions Act, any power exercisable thereunder by a minister or other authority of the Government of the Federation, other than the power to make regulations under section 23 of the Act, is hereby vested in and shall be exercisable by the Council and not by any other person or authority
Part IV: Financial Provisions
(2) There shall be paid and credited to the fund established in pursuance of subsection (1) of this section –
(a) such money as may be received from the health maintenance organisations;
(b) such money as may be granted or received from the Federal, State and Local Governments;
(c) such money as may, from time to time, be granted or received from –
(i) the organised private sector,
(ii) international or donor organisations and non-Governmental organisations;
(d) dividends and interests on investments and stocks; and
(e) all other money which may, from time to time, accrue to the Scheme.
(3) The Scheme shall, from time to time, apply the funds at its disposal –
(a) to the cost of the administration of the Scheme;
(b) to the payment of fees, allowances and benefits of members of the Council;
(c) to the payment of salaries, allowances and benefits of officers and employees of the Scheme;
(d) for the maintenance of any property vested in the Scheme or under its administration; and
(e) for and in connection with the objectives of the Scheme under this Act.
(4) The Scheme shall invest any money not immediately required by it in Federal Government securities or in such other securities as the Council may, with the approval of the Minister, from time to time, determine.
(2) The Scheme shall not accept any gift if the conditions attached by the person or organisation offering the gift are inconsistent with the objectives and functions of the Scheme under this Act.
(2) The Council shall cause to be kept proper accounts the Scheme and proper records in relation thereto and when certified by the Council, the accounts shall be audited by auditors appointed by the Council from the list and in accordance with the guidelines supplied by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
(3) Any member, agent or employee of the Scheme who fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with a requirement an auditor under subsection (2) of this section, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N 10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(a) submit to the Minister a report on the activities and the administration of the Scheme during the immediately preceding year and shall include in the report the audited accounts of the Scheme and the auditor’s report on the accounts; and
(b) present the audited annual accounts, auditor’s report on the accounts and report on the activities of the Scheme to an Annual Meeting comprising the registered contributors to the Scheme and all the registered health maintenance organisations and health care providers under the Scheme.
(2) The provisions of any enactment relating to the taxation of companies or trust funds shall not apply to the Scheme or the Council.
Part V: Contributions, etc.
(2) An employer under the Scheme shall cause to be deducted from an employee’s wages the negotiated amount of any contribution payable by the employee and shall not, by reason of the employer’s liability for any contribution (or penalty thereon) made under this Act, reduce, whether directly or indirectly, the remuneration or allowances of the employee in respect of whom the contribution is payable under this Act.
.
(2) An application for the registration of an employer under the Scheme shall be made in such form and manner as may be determined, from time to time, by the Council.
(3) A person not liable to pay contributions under this Act may apply to be registered as a voluntary contributor under the Scheme and shall, after being so registered, be liable to pay the specified contributions as required under this Act and be entitled to the health services referred to in subsection (1) of section 18 of this Act.
(a) defined elements of curative care;
(b) prescribed drugs and diagnostic tests;
(c) maternity care for up to four live births for every insured person;
(d) preventive care, including immunization, family planning, ante natal and post natal care;
(e) consultation with defined range of specialists;
(f) hospital care in a public or private hospital in a standard ward during a stated duration of stay for physical or mental disorders;
(g) eye examination and care, excluding test and the ad provision of spectacles; and
(h) a range of prosthesis and dental care as defined.
(2) The registration of health care providers under the Scheme shall be in such form and manner as may be determined by the Council, from time to time, under this Act.
(3) In this section, “defined” means defined by the Council
(2) The registration of an organisation under the Scheme shall be in such form and manner as may be determined, from time to time, by the Council, using guidelines which shall include provisions requiring the organisation to –
(a) be financially viable before and after registration;
(b) make a complete disclosure of the ownership structure and composition of the organisation;
(c) have account with one or more banks approved by the Council;
(d) be insured with an insurance company acceptable to the Council; and
(e) give an undertaking that the organisation shall manage and invest the funds accruing to it from contributions received pursuant to this Act in accordance with guidelines to be issued, from time to time, by the Council
(3) The registration of an organisation under the Scheme –
(a) shall be valid for such period as may be determined by the Council; and
(b) may be renewed at the expiry of every registration, so however that, no registration shall be renewed unless the organisation concerned has complied with guidelines issued under this Act.
(a) the collection of contributions from eligible employers and employees under this Act;
(b) the collection of contributions from voluntary contributors under subsection (3) of section 17 of this Act;
(c) the payment of capitation fees for services rendered by health care providers registered under the Scheme;
(d) rendering to the Scheme returns on its activities as may be required by the Council;
(e) contracting only with the health care providers approved by the Scheme for the purpose of rendering health care services under this Act;
(f) ensuring that contributions are kept in accordance with guidelines issued by the Council and in banks approved by the Council; and
(g) establishing a quality assurance system to ensure that qualitative care is given by the health care providers.
Part VI: Zones and Zonal Health Insurance Offices
Establishment, etc. of Zones and Zonal Health Insurance Offices
(a) determining the areas in which there are sufficient services for the Scheme to operate;
(b) strategic planning for the successful implementation of the Scheme;
(c) undertaking programmes for phasing-in the Scheme;
(d) maintaining a register of health care providers;
(e) inspecting health care providers and their facilities to ensure that they maintain good quality services;
(f) developing health care services in areas where those services are not adequate; (g) collecting statistics on consultations and admissions to hospitals, including length of stay;
(h) preparing reports, accounts and statistical returns and forwarding them to the Council;
(i) the general administration of the Scheme;
(j) promoting the good relations of the Scheme;
(k) doing such things which, by this Act or any other enactment, are required or permitted to be done by the scheme as may, from time to time, be directed by the Council.
Financial Provisions Relating to the Zonal Offices
(a) such money as may be granted as allocation from the Scheme
(b) such money as may be granted by or received from the States and Local Governments within the Zone;
(c) such money as may, from time to time, be granted or recorded as voluntary contributions by persons and organisations.
(2) The Zonal Office shall apply the sums at its disposal –
(a) to the cost of administration of the Zonal Office;
(b) for the training of members of staff of the Zonal Office;
(c) to the payment of salaries, allowances and benefits of officers and employees in the Zonal Office; and
(d) for and in connection with the objectives of the Scheme under this Act.
(3) All money received by a Zonal Office shall be paid into an account approved by the Council and no money shall be withdrawn from the account except –
(a) by means of cheques signed by such persons as the Council may specially authorise in that behalf; or
(b) by such other means as the Council may, from time to time, approve.
(4) Subject to the provisions of section 11(4) of this Act, any money not immediately required to meet the obligations of the Zonal Office shall be invested by the Council having regard to the need to –
(a) allow for the safe retrieval of the money invested, together with the return on interest sufficient to maintain the real purchasing power of the money;
(b) secure a rate of return at least equal to that assured by the actuary in the last actuarial review under this Act; and
(c) provide for the realisation of the investments to be consistent with the future liabilities of the Zonal Office
(2) Notwithstanding the submission of the report referred to in subsection (1) of this section, the Council may require a Zonal Office to obtain from the auditors appointed under this Act, such other reports, statements or explanations in connection with the Scheme and operations of the Zonal Office as the Council may, from time to time, consider expedient.
(2) Any member, agent or employee of a Zonal Office who fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with a requirement of an auditor under subsection (1) of this section, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Part VII: Arbitration
(2) The Arbitration Board shall be charged with the responsibility of considering complaints made by any aggrieved party –
(a) of violation of any of the provisions of this Act; or id
(b) against any of the agents of the Scheme; or
(c) against an organisation or a health care provider.
(3) A complaint made under subsection (2) of this section shall be made in writing within 60 days from the date of the action giving rise to the complaint, notwithstanding that credible reasons have been rendered for the action.
(4) The period specified in subsection (3) of this section may be extended if the Arbitration Board is satisfied that the complainant was justifiably unable to make the complaint within that period.
(a) a chairman who shall be a legal practitioner with not less than 15 year post qualification experience;
(b) one person each to represent each of the following –
(i) the Nigerian Medical Association in the State or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,
(ii) the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association in the State or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,
(iii) the Nigerian Labour Congress in the State or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,
(iv) the National Association Nigerian Nurses and Midwives in the State or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and
(v) the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in the State or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the case may be; and
(c) two persons to represent the public interest.
(2) The members of the Arbitration Board shall be –
(a) appointed by the Military Administrator of the State or the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the case may be, on such terms and conditions as may be specified in their letters of appointment; and
(b) paid such sitting and other allowances as the Council may decide.
(3) The quorum of any sitting of the Arbitration Board shall be five members.
(4) The Chairman of the Arbitration Board shall convene all meetings of the Arbitration Board.
(5) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, the Arbitration Board may make provisions regulating its own proceedings.
(6) There shall be for the Arbitration Board a secretary who shall be appointed by the Council on such terms and conditions as the Council may determine.
Part VIII: Offences, Penalties and Legal Proceedings
(a) fails to pay into the account of an organisation and within the specified period any contribution liable to be paid under this Act; or
(b) deducts the contribution from the employee’s wages and withholds the contribution or refuses or neglects to remit the contribution to the organisations concerned within the specified time, commits an offence.
(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) of this section is liable on conviction –
(a) in the case of a first offence, to a fine of N100,000 or 500 per centum of the amount of the contribution involved, together with accrued interest on the contribution, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for a .,term not exceeding two years or less than one year or to both such fine and imprisonment; and
(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of N200,000 or 1000 per centum of the amount of the contribution involved together with accrued interest on the contribution, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or less than two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(a) was an officer of the body corporate, firm or other association; or
(b) was purporting to act in the capacity of an officer of the body corporate, firm or other association,
is deemed to have committed the offence and liable to be prosecuted and punished for the offence in like manner as if he had himself committed the offence, unless he proves that the act or omission constituting the offence took place without his knowledge, consent or connivance.
(2) In this section, “officer”, includes –
(a) in the case of a body corporate, a director, chief executive by whatever name called, manager and secretary of the body corporate;
(b) in the case of a firm, a partner, manager and secretary of the firm; and
(c) in the case of any other association of individuals, a person concerned in the management of the affairs of the association.
(a) the Attorney-General of the State or any legal officer in the Ministry of Justice of the State; and
(b) in the case of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by the Attorney-General of the Federation or any legal officer in the Federal Ministry of Justice.
(a) jurisdiction to try offenders under this Act; and
(b) power, notwithstanding any thing to the contrary in any other enactment, to impose the penalties provided for offence in this Act.
(2) Any contribution paid into the fund of the Scheme under subsection (1) of this section shall be refunded to the organisation entitled to receive the contribution.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other enactment, no suit shall lie against any member of the Council, the Executive Secretary or any other officer or employee of the Scheme for any act done in pursuance or execution of this Act or any other enactment or law, or of any public duty or authority or in respect of any alleged neglect or default in the execution of this Act or such enactment or law, duty or authority, shall lie or be instituted in any court unless it is commenced –
(a) within three months next after the act, neglect or default complained of; or
(b) in the case of a continuation of damage or injury, within six months next after the ceasing thereof.
(3) No suit shall be commenced against a member of the Council, the Executive Secretary, officer or employee of the Scheme before the expiration of a period of one month after written notice of intention to commence the suit shall have been served upon the Scheme by the intending plaintiff or his agent.
(4) The notice referred to in subsection (3) of this sec shall clearly and explicitly state the cause of action, the particulars of the claims, the name and place of abode of the intending plaintiff and the relief which he claims.
(2) Any sums of moneys which may by the judgment of any court be awarded against the Scheme shall, subject to directions given by the court where notice of appeal of the said judgement has been given, be paid from the general reserve fur] of the Scheme.
(a) not, for his personal gain, make use of any information which has come to his knowledge in the exercise of his powers or is obtained by him in the ordinary course of duty under this Act;
(b) treat as confidential any information which has come his knowledge in the exercise of his powers or is obtain~ by him in the performance of his functions under the Act;
(c) not disclose any information referred to under paragraph (b) of this subsection except when required to do so by an Arbitration Board or the court or in such other circumstances as may be prescribed by the Council, from time to time.
(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than N20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Part IX: Miscellaneous
(a) a Chairman;
(b) the Chairmen of regulatory and registration boards, councils of the health related professional bodies established by law; and
(c) the registrars of the boards and councils referred to it paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(2) The members of the Standard Committee shall be appointed by the Council.
(3) The Standard Committee may make rules regulating its own proceedings.
(a) the registration of employers and employees liable to contribute under the Scheme;
(b) the registration of dependants of employees covered by the Scheme;
(c) the compulsory payment of contributions by employers and employees, the rates of those contributions and the deduction by the employer of contributions payable by employees under the Scheme from any salary, wage or other money payable;
(d) the voluntary payment of contributions by self employed and other persons and rates of such contributions;
(e) the maintenance of the records to be kept for the Scheme and the records to be kept by employers in respect of contributions payable under the Scheme and in respect of their employees;
(f) the methods of collecting contributions under the Scheme by the organisations;
(g) the imposition of surcharges in respect of late payment of contributions by employers or employees;
(h) the manner and circumstances in which contributions may be refunded;
(i) fees which may be charged for medical and dental examinations and services provided and other things done for the purpose of the Scheme; of a uncil such
(1) the nature and amount of benefits to be provided under the Scheme, the circumstances and the manner in which the benefits shall be provided;
(k) the nature and amount of capitation payment under the Scheme, the circumstances and the manner in which health care providers shall receive the capitation payment made under the Scheme;
(1) the reduction, suspension or withdrawal of any payment under the Scheme;
(m) the submission of returns by employers regarding the employers and their employees;
(n) the procedure for assessment of contributions made under the Scheme; and
(o) any other matter whatsoever for which, in the opinion of the Council, it is necessary or desirable to issue guidelines for giving effect to the Scheme.
(2) The guidelines issued under subsection (1) (c) of this section may provide for different levels of contributions to be payable by different classes of persons.
(3) The guidelines issued under this section need not be published in the Gazette but the Council shall ensure that they are brought to the notice of the persons affected by the guidelines.
“Arbitration Board” means the State Health Insurance Arbitration Board or the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Arbitration Board constituted under section 26 of this Act
“benefit” means a benefit or advantage of any kind whatsoever derived from the Scheme;
“capitation” payment” means a payment to a health care provider in respect of services to be provided by him to an insured person registered by the health care provider, whether the insured person uses the services or not;
“contribution” means a contribution payable to an organisation under this Act and includes a voluntary contribution;
“Council” means the Governing Council established under section 2 of this Act for the Scheme;
“employee” means any person who is ordinarily resident in Nigeria and is employed in the service of the Federal, a State or Local Government in a civil capacity or in any of the public services or under a contract of service or an apprenticeship with an employer whether the contract is expressed or implied, oral or in writing;
“employer” means an employer registered under the Scheme and includes the Federal, State or Local Government or any Extra-Ministerial Department or a person with whom an employee has entered into a contract of service or apprenticeship and who is responsible for the payment of the wages or salaries of the employee including the lawful representative, successor or assignee of that person;
“fees for services” means payment made directly for completed health care services, not included in the capitation fees, and paid to health care providers or professionals following appropriate referrals or prescriptions sent to them by health care providers under the Scheme;
“functions” includes powers;
“health care provider” means any government or private health care practitioner, hospital or maternity centre registered by the Council for the provision of prescribed health services for insured persons and their dependants under the Scheme;
“insured person” means any person who pays the required contribution to the Scheme under this Act;
“member of the Council” includes the Chairman of the Council;
“Minister” means the Minister charged with responsibility for matters relating to health and “Ministry” shall 1 construed accordingly;
“organisation” means any health maintenance organisation registered under section 19 of this Act and includes institution, body corporate or a provident association registered by the Council to utilise its administration provide health care services through health care centres approved by the Council;
“public service of the Federation” and “public service State” have the meaning respectively assigned to them the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 197 as amended;
“Scheme” means the National Health Insurance Scheme established under section 1 of this Act;
“wage” means remuneration in money paid to an employee under his contract of service or apprenticeship, as the case may be; and whether agreed to be paid at fixed or determined intervals of time
(a) in respect of normal period of work performed by the employee; or
(b) where payment is calculated in relation to –
(i) set tasks, in respect of the number tasks completed by the employee, or
(ii) the volume of work completed by the employee, in respect of the volume completed by the worker, but does II include any allowance paid by the employ~ to the employee whether in respect of co of living or otherwise howsoever.
“Zonal Office” means a Zonal Health Insurance office established under section 21 of this Act.
Schedule: Supplementary Proceedings Relating to the Council
Standing Orders
(2) The quorum of the Council shall be the Chairman or the member presiding at the meeting and five other members and the quorum of any committee of the Council shall be determined by the Council.
(2) At any meeting of the Council, the Chairman shall preside but if he is absent, the members present at the meeting shall appoint one of their number to preside at that meeting.
(3) Where the Council desires to obtain ~he advice of any person on a particular matter, the Council may co-opt him to the Council for such period as it thinks fit; but a person who is in attendance by virtue of this sub-paragraph shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the Council and shall not count towards a quorum.
Committees
(2) A committee appointed under this paragraph shall consist of such number of persons (not necessarily members of the Council as may be determined by the Council) and a person other than a member of the Council shall hold office on the committee in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(3) A decision of a committee of. the Council shall be of no effect until it is confirmed by the Council.
Miscellaneous
(2) Any contract or instrument, which, if made or executed by a person not being a body corporate, would not be required be under seal may be made or executed on behalf of the Council by the Chairman or any person generally or specially authorised to act for the purpose by the Council.
(3) Any document purporting to be a document duly executed under the seal of the Council shall be received in evidence and shall, unless and until the contrary is proved, 1 presumed to be so executed.
Made at Abuja this 10th day of May 1999
General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar
Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria