By Jane Okeke
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional reforms following the release of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) follow-up system review, which scored the agency 73 per cent for its governance and operational systems.
Director-General of the NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, who spoke with journalists in Abuja after the presentation of the report, described the assessment as an independent validation of the agency’s reform efforts. He said the review not only acknowledged the progress made but also highlighted areas requiring further improvement as the Authority pursues universal health coverage.
According to Ohiri, the NHIA has, over the past two and a half years, implemented wide-ranging reforms, including the digitisation of its financial management system, clearance of audit backlogs and deployment of personnel to health facilities to respond promptly to complaints from enrollees. He said the measures are aimed at improving transparency, accountability and access to healthcare services.
The NHIA boss maintained that while the 73 per cent rating was encouraging, it would not distract the Authority from addressing the challenges that still affect healthcare delivery. He noted that the agency remains focused on ensuring that every Nigerian enrolled in the health insurance scheme receives quality and timely healthcare services.
Ohiri further described the ICPC assessment as an important accountability tool that provides public institutions with an objective evaluation of their performance. He pledged that the Authority would implement the outstanding recommendations contained in the report to strengthen governance, improve operational efficiency and enhance public confidence in the national health insurance system.
