The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a 373 % increase in fee‑for‑service reimbursements to hospitals, a move aimed at boosting service quality and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s health insurance scheme.
During a joint quarterly media briefing on Thursday, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director‑General of the NHIA, disclosed the new payment rates. The hike is part of a broader strategy to improve the attractiveness of the fee‑for‑service model for healthcare providers across the country.
Under the fee‑for‑service arrangement, hospitals and other health facilities receive payments for each treatment or procedure they deliver. The substantial increase is intended to encourage providers to maintain high standards of care and to address concerns that earlier reimbursement levels were insufficient.
While the announcement was brief, it signals the NHIA’s commitment to strengthening the health insurance system after a period of criticism over delayed payments and limited coverage. The agency has been working to streamline its processes and enhance transparency.
Further details on the revised payment schedule and implementation timeline were not provided in the briefing, but the NHIA has pledged to roll out the changes in the coming months.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
