SUNU Health Rallies Healthcare Providers at NPF 2025 to Strengthen Industry Collaboration

SUNU Health Rallies Healthcare Providers at NPF 2025 to Strengthen Industry Collaboration

Participants at the SUNU Health Nigeria National Providers Forum 2025 held on June 24 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA – In a bold demonstration of its commitment to advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria, SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, a leading Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and member of the SUNU Group, convened healthcare stakeholders from across the country for its 2025 National Providers Forum (NPF) on June 24 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Themed “Bridging the Gap: Building a Stronger HMO-Provider Relationship,” the forum brought together a diverse mix of health professionals, regulators, and administrators to address critical industry challenges and forge a more collaborative path toward improved healthcare services in Nigeria.

As part of its regulatory obligation under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), SUNU Health used the forum to spark meaningful dialogue on enhancing partnerships with healthcare providers, addressing payment delays, refining tariff structures, and leveraging technology for efficient service delivery.

In his keynote address, Dr. Patrick Korie, Managing Director of SUNU Health, emphasized the importance of a seamless HMO-provider relationship in boosting healthcare outcomes.

“A strong HMO-provider relationship improves patient care, streamlines operations, and reinforces trust in the healthcare system,” he stated. “We’ve taken a proactive approach by engaging both our providers and clients through surveys to understand their challenges and expectations. The insights gathered are now driving our reforms.”

Dr. Korie announced a number of strategic initiatives, including the implementation of a 30-day payment cycle for both PHIS and NHIA programs, the rollout of transparent communication channels, and enhanced claims submission systems powered by new technology.

“We are restructuring internal operations to serve our partners better. SUNU, which means ‘our own,’ symbolizes our people-first approach. This forum is not just a regulatory exercise — it's a platform for partnership and progress,” he added.

The hybrid forum — which featured both physical and virtual participation — was widely applauded for its inclusiveness. Healthcare professionals from various regions connected online, enriching the discussions with perspectives from across Nigeria.

Panel sessions and expert presentations explored a wide range of topics, including digital transformation in healthcare, innovative service delivery models, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability in a complex health ecosystem.

Dr. Faith Nwachi, Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, reinforced the organization’s mission to empower its provider network.

“The National Providers Forum is a testament to the power of collaboration. We believe that by equipping our providers with the right tools and information, we can elevate the standard of care and foster sustainable growth in the healthcare sector,” she said.

Attendees lauded the event for its relevance and practicality, describing it as an essential step toward rebuilding trust and driving innovation in the HMO space. The hybrid format, in particular, was praised for removing geographical barriers and enabling broader participation.

SUNU Health plans to incorporate feedback from the 2025 forum into its operational framework, develop new support systems for its provider network, and continue advocating for policies that support efficient, equitable, and quality healthcare in Nigeria.

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About SUNU Health:

SUNU Health is a top-tier healthcare management organization committed to delivering affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical services across Nigeria. As part of the SUNU Group, the company leverages innovation, strategic partnerships, and a customer-first approach to transform healthcare outcomes and build a healthier nation.