NHIA DG Vows Tougher Accountability, Says Integrity Key to Better Healthcare
James Emejo in Abuja Director General, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has called for stronger institutional accountability in the management of public healthcare resources. He warned that
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Nigeria, has emphasized the need for greater institutional accountability in managing healthcare resources. Speaking at an award ceremony for his commitment to combating corruption, Ohiri stressed that lack of transparency and oversight can hinder access to vital medical services.
The award, bestowed by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, highlighted his dedication to transparency and accountability within the NHIA. Ohiri stressed that accountability in health insurance is crucial in ensuring patients can access necessary treatment and that funds meant to protect citizens are effectively utilized. The NHIA is currently implementing reforms aimed at enhancing accountability, including the digitization of financial processes, clearing audit backlogs, and tightening monitoring of healthcare service providers.
Additionally, the authority is enhancing its capacity-building efforts for the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit to strengthen preventive oversight and improve transparency. Despite recent progress in expanding insurance coverage to over 23 million Nigerians, challenges remain in ensuring that the benefits of health insurance translate into accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare.
The renewed focus on governance and accountability structures underscores the importance of building a system that earns public confidence through transparency, efficiency, and improved service delivery.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
