SUNU Health Endorses NHIA One-Hour Authorisation Policy, Rallies Providers to Improve Healthcare Delivery

 SUNU Health Endorses NHIA One-Hour Authorisation Policy, Rallies Providers to Improve Healthcare Delivery

SUNU Health Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its support for the National Health Insurance Authority's (NHIA) one-hour authorisation response policy, describing it as a critical step toward improving access to quality healthcare and ensuring prompt treatment for health insurance enrollees.

LAGOS — SUNU Health Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)'s newly introduced one-hour authorisation response policy as part of efforts to improve healthcare access and service delivery across Nigeria.

The Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) made the commitment during its second-quarter Providers' Forum for the Lagos-Ogun region, held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos. The forum, themed "Improving Quality and Access to Care Through Stronger Provider Network," brought together hundreds of healthcare providers to discuss ways of enhancing healthcare services for enrollees.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Moyosore Olomola, the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Faith Nwachi, said SUNU Health remains committed to operating within regulatory and operational frameworks that guarantee quality healthcare for enrollees.

She described access to quality healthcare as a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between HMOs, healthcare providers and regulators.

According to her, a strong provider network is essential to ensuring that enrollees receive the right care at the right time, in the right place and at the right cost.

Dr. Nwachi said the organisation would strictly comply with the NHIA's one-hour authorisation approval timeline, noting that the policy aligns with SUNU Health's commitment to prompt service delivery and its corporate philosophy of placing humanity at the centre of its operations.

She also unveiled the company's upgraded operational software and mobile application, known as SUNU Legacy, designed to enhance healthcare access and improve service efficiency.

Also speaking, the NHIA Lagos State Coordinator (Ikeja), Dr. Bethuel-Kasimu Abraham, said the one-hour authorisation policy was introduced to reduce delays in accessing medical care, improve continuity of treatment, strengthen accountability among HMOs and ultimately deliver better health outcomes for enrollees.

He explained that where an HMO fails to respond within one hour, healthcare providers should notify the NHIA via email, copying the HMO and attaching evidence of the request before proceeding to treat the enrollee.

On his part, the NHIA Ogun State Coordinator, Mr. Dare Adefeso, acknowledged complaints from enrollees over unavailable drugs and discriminatory treatment at some healthcare facilities.

He said the authority was addressing the challenges and stressed that all accredited healthcare providers must ensure enrollees with valid health insurance receive appropriate care without discrimination.

The Ogun State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Aishat Tiamiyu, also commended SUNU Health for its service delivery, revealing that the agency has maintained its relationship with the HMO for more than 25 years.

She urged the immediate enrolment of newly recruited NOA personnel into the health insurance scheme.

SUNU Health said the Providers' Forum remains one of its key platforms for engaging healthcare providers, addressing operational challenges, introducing technological innovations and strengthening partnerships aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide.