NHIA deploys compliance officers to tackle illegal charges in hospitals

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has initiated the deployment of Compliance Officers to accredited healthcare facilities across Nigeria. This move is designed to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance service delivery, and safeguard enrollees from illegal charges and the denial of healthcare services.

The pilot phase of this initiative begins with 18 accredited health facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The NHIA plans to expand the program nationwide after evaluating its success. This effort is part of the Federal Government's broader agenda to achieve Universal Health Coverage by increasing access to affordable, quality healthcare through the NHIA.

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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has taken a major step to ensure quality and accountability in healthcare facilities.

Despite steady growth in health insurance coverage, persistent concerns remain regarding delayed treatments, unexpected out-of-pocket payments for covered services, medicine shortages, and complaints about the quality of care. The NHIA is intensifying its efforts to ensure healthcare providers adhere to operational standards and improve accountability within the national health insurance scheme.

"The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has taken a major step to ensure quality and accountability in healthcare facilities," the authority stated. The deployed Compliance Officers will act as on-site liaisons, ensuring providers follow NHIA operational guidelines, that enrollees receive their full benefits, and that illegal payments are stopped. They will also handle enrollee complaints promptly but will not interfere with medical decisions made by healthcare professionals.

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As part of its mandate to provide financial access to quality care for all, the NHIA has commenced the deployment of Compliance Officers to selected accredited facilities, starting with 18 facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).