By Toyin Hakeem, Abuja
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, says the agency will intensify reforms to improve healthcare delivery after scoring 73 per cent in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) follow-up system review. Speaking after the presentation of the report in Abuja, Ohiri described the assessment as an independent evaluation that acknowledged the progress made while identifying areas requiring further improvement.
According to him, the ICPC’s system review examined the Authority’s internal processes, governance structure and stakeholder engagement, providing what he described as an objective “mirror” of the agency’s performance. He said while the rating was encouraging, it also underscored the need to sustain reforms to achieve universal health coverage.
Ohiri disclosed that the NHIA has implemented major institutional reforms over the past two and a half years, including the digitization of its financial management system, clearance of audit backlogs and strengthened accountability measures. He added that the Authority has also deployed staff to health facilities, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, to resolve complaints from enrollees and ensure beneficiaries receive timely healthcare services.
The NHIA boss noted that although progress had been made, challenges remain in ensuring every Nigerian enrolled in the health insurance scheme enjoys seamless access to quality healthcare. He said the agency would continue to address identified gaps and implement the outstanding recommendations contained in the ICPC review.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement, stressing that independent assessments such as the ICPC review are critical to strengthening public institutions. According to him, the ultimate goal is to build a more efficient health insurance system that delivers better services and earns the confidence of Nigerians.