The National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, has commenced on-the-spot assessment of compliance with its directive mandating Health Maintenance Organizations to issue pre-authorization codes within one hour.
During an unscheduled visits to the National Hospital and Federal Medical Center in Jabi, Abuja, NHIA’s enforcement team led by Acting Director of Enforcement, Habib Abdulhamid, observed about 70% compliance at the National Hospital.
Gaps in awareness among hospital personnel were identified, prompting immediate sensitization.
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At FMC Jabi, full compliance was recorded, though a case of delayed data upload by the facility itself was noted despite timely response from the HMO involved.
NHIA Desk Officer at the National Hospital, Tony Osuji, said steps are being taken to reduce delays and improve enrollee access to care.
Abdulhamid reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to monitoring and enforcing the directive nationwide, warning that sanctions await non-compliant HMOs and facilities.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
