Abuja, Nigeria — The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a significant increase in healthcare provider payments, marking the first major adjustment in over a decade to improve service delivery and sustainability.
The announcement was made by the NHIA Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja with representatives from Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare providers.
Dr. Ohiri highlighted that capitation payments, fixed annual fees per enrolled patient have increased by 93% compared to December 2023 rates, while fee-for-service reimbursements for medical procedures and services have risen by 378%.
These adjustments build on a temporary increase introduced six months ago, which saw capitation fees rise by 60% and fee-for-service payments by 40%, as part of a stabilization strategy. The newly approved rates, endorsed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, will take effect from April 2025.
According to Dr. Ohiri, the changes are based on actuarial analysis and aim to align payments with the realities of rising medical costs, ensuring fairness and sustainability in the healthcare sector.
“The revised rates are designed to incentivize healthcare providers to deliver high-quality services while ensuring enrollees receive better and more reliable care,” he stated.
He also assured that NHIA would enforce strict oversight to guarantee that enrollees benefit from these reforms without additional financial burden.
Stakeholders at the meeting—including representatives from HMOs, healthcare provider associations, and the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, commended the NHIA for its proactive steps. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting reforms that drive Nigeria toward Universal Health Coverage and enhance overall healthcare quality.
The statement concluded with NHIA’s pledge to sustain these improvements, ensuring a more efficient and equitable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
By Enoch Odesola| February 4, 2025
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