NHIA Refunds N14.2m, Suspends Nine Hospitals for Complaints

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has refunded more than N14.2 million to enrollees and suspended nine healthcare facilities following service complaints under Nigeria’s health insurance system. Dr Kelechi Ohiri, the NHIA's Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, announced these actions during the inaugural Civil Society Organisation-Led Mid-Year Review of Nigeria’s National Health Sector Reforms in Abuja.

The NHIA resolved 3,878 complaints and issued 368 warning letters to healthcare providers. To ensure compliance with patient protection policies, inspection teams have been deployed to healthcare facilities.

The NHIA reported an increase in national health insurance enrolment from approximately 16 million to over 23 million. Additionally, over 2.7 million vulnerable Nigerians have received support through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Recent reforms have led to a 93% increase in capitation and a 378% rise in fee-for-service reimbursements. The NHIA also expanded support for cancer patients through a partnership with Roche, covering a significant portion of treatment costs.