To enhance transparency, data accuracy, and responsiveness within Nigeria’s health insurance framework, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has forged strategic alliances with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM).
These partnerships, formalized in Abuja, seek to address two critical challenges that have long hindered the effectiveness of Nigeria’s health insurance system: inadequate data management and insufficient accountability in service delivery. By leveraging data-driven strategies and robust feedback channels, the NHIA aims to foster evidence-based decision-making and improve beneficiary engagement.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the NHIA director-general, emphasized that these collaborations are integral to a broader reform initiative focused on transforming the agency into a more citizen-centric and results-oriented organization.
“Our goal is to optimize health insurance for Nigerians by creating a system that actively listens, adapts, and enhances its services. We are committed to tracking outcomes and ensuring that the benefits truly reach the people,” Ohiri stated.
He highlighted that the alliance with the NBS will anchor NHIA’s policies in dependable data that accurately represent the conditions of Nigerians, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups.
“Improvement is impossible without measurement. Partnering with the National Bureau of Statistics allows us to base our programs on factual data rather than guesswork. This approach will enable us to pinpoint successes, identify shortcomings, and implement effective solutions,” he explained.
This collaboration encompasses data exchange, collaborative research projects, and tailored capacity-building efforts designed to suit Nigeria’s unique healthcare environment.
The second memorandum of understanding with SERVICOM focuses on elevating the quality of service experienced by health insurance users by reinforcing complaint resolution, feedback collection, and redress systems.
“Achieving Universal Health Coverage extends beyond mere access; it demands high-quality care. When patients encounter issues without adequate support, the system fails them. Our partnership with SERVICOM, an agency dedicated to enhancing public service delivery, is crucial to addressing this gap,” Ohiri remarked.
Anthony Oshie, SERVICOM’s National Coordinator, praised the collaboration as a tangible reflection of the government’s dedication to accountability and superior healthcare service standards.
“This joint effort exemplifies how public institutions can unite to make services more attuned to citizens’ needs. It’s not about red tape; it’s about delivering tangible results so that every Nigerian receives the quality healthcare they deserve when visiting medical facilities,” Oshie affirmed.
