The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has begun deploying Compliance Officers to accredited healthcare facilities in a bid to eliminate illegal charges, prevent denial of services and improve the quality of healthcare provided to enrollees under the national health insurance scheme.
The initiative, which will begin with 18 accredited hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is expected to serve as a pilot programme before being expanded to other facilities across the FCT and the rest of the country.
The move forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen oversight of healthcare providers and advance Universal Health Coverage by ensuring Nigerians receive affordable and quality medical services.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NHIA said the Compliance Officers would act as on-site representatives responsible for monitoring adherence to its operational guidelines, supporting enrollees and ensuring healthcare providers deliver services covered under the scheme.
According to the authority, the officers will work to prevent delays or denial of approved healthcare services, stop illegal out-of-pocket payments, monitor the availability of medicines and medical consumables, promptly address complaints from enrollees and report compliance breaches for appropriate action.
The NHIA, however, clarified that the officers would not interfere with clinical decisions made by healthcare professionals.
It noted that the pilot programme would be expanded nationwide following a successful implementation in the FCT.
The authority described the deployment as part of its ongoing reforms aimed at improving accountability, enhancing service delivery and protecting the rights of enrollees under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The latest initiative comes amid longstanding concerns over delayed treatment, shortages of medicines, illegal charges and complaints by enrollees regarding the quality of care at some accredited health facilities.
According to the NHIA, the deployment of Compliance Officers is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve patient experience and boost public confidence in Nigeria’s national health insurance programme.
