The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has cracked down on 96 service providers across Nigeria in 2024 over substandard healthcare delivery.
In its latest enforcement action, the NHIA sanctioned 49 healthcare facilities (HCFs) and 47 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) following investigations into over 3,500 complaints from enrollees under state and national health insurance schemes.
Key issues cited include denial of services, unavailability of medicines, illegal out-of-pocket charges, and failure to conduct quality checks.
- 84 warnings were issued to HCFs.
- ₦4.3 million refunded to 54 enrollees.
- 4 HCFs suspended, 6 delisted.
- 35 HMOs warned, 12 ordered to refund ₦748,200.
NHIA Director-General Kelechi Ohiri said the move underscores the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on poor service.
“Enrollees deserve the best care. These sanctions send a clear message – we will not tolerate substandard services,” Ohiri stressed.
The NHIA has also mandated HMOs to issue referral codes within one hour to reduce delays in patient care.
This action is part of efforts to improve accountability and drive Nigeria closer to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
