NHIA Enhances Protections for Health Insurance Enrollees

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is intensifying efforts to protect health insurance enrollees from improper charges and denial of covered services, as the number of Nigerians with health insurance rises to 23.02 million. Dr Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of NHIA, announced these initiatives during a quarterly media briefing of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Abuja.

The NHIA has secured refunds for patients improperly charged, issued warnings to healthcare providers, and delisted facilities as necessary. To enhance transparency, the NHIA is introducing QR codes for enrollees to check covered services and has established a 24-hour call center for complaints and inquiries.

Despite a 42 percent increase in insured Nigerians since January 2024, challenges remain in expanding coverage due to high out-of-pocket expenses. The NHIA is also developing insurance arrangements for app-based workers and plans to extend coverage to inmates in correctional facilities.

The NHIA's efforts align with broader initiatives to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.