NHIA Cracks Down on Delayed Medical Attention
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has issued a stern warning to Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in Nigeria, directing them to ensure that patients on health insurance plans do not wait beyond one hour before receiving medical attention at their chosen healthcare facility.
This move comes after a surge in complaints from enrollees about prolonged delays and neglect at health facilities.
According to Otunba Lekan Ewenla, Managing Director and CEO of Ultimate Health Management Services, the NHIA’s directive is a significant step towards improving the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria.
Ewenla, a former governing council member of the National Health Insurance Scheme, revealed that the mandate is aimed at reducing the waiting time for patients and ensuring that they receive prompt medical attention.
The NHIA’s role in the health sector is likened to the regulatory functions of the Central Bank of Nigeria in banking and PENCOM in pensions.
The authority is responsible for enforcing standards, monitoring healthcare providers, and protecting patient rights. By setting a maximum waiting time of one hour, the NHIA is sending a strong message to HMOs and healthcare providers that delayed medical attention will no longer be tolerated.
In response to the NHIA’s directive, Ultimate Health Management Services has not only complied but has surpassed the benchmark. The company has reduced its average waiting time to just 10 minutes and is working to reduce it further to five minutes.
This is a significant achievement, and it demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to its enrollees.
The implications of the NHIA’s directive are far-reaching. It is expected to improve patient satisfaction, reduce morbidity and mortality rates, and increase the overall quality of healthcare services in Nigeria.
By setting a high standard for healthcare providers, the NHIA is driving innovation and excellence in the health sector.
The NHIA’s directive is a welcome development in the Nigerian health sector. It is a significant step towards improving the quality of healthcare services and ensuring that patients receive prompt medical attention.
As HMOs and healthcare providers work to comply with the directive, patients can expect to receive better care and attention. The future of healthcare in Nigeria looks promising, and the NHIA’s directive is a major milestone in the journey towards achieving universal health coverage.
