SUNU Health reaffirms support for NHIA one-hour approval policy at Lagos-Ogun providers’ forum

SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, a leading Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), has reaffirmed its support for the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) one-hour authorisation response directive as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

The commitment was made during the company’s second-quarter Providers’ Forum for the Lagos-Ogun region, held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Yaba, Lagos State. The forum, themed “Improving Quality and Access to Care Through Stronger Provider Network”, brought together hundreds of healthcare providers for discussions aimed at strengthening service delivery for enrollees.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, Dr Faith Nwachi, who represented the MD/CEO, Dr Moyosore Olomola, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to regulatory compliance and quality care delivery, describing provider engagement as central to achieving improved healthcare outcomes.

“Access to care and quality of care remain key priorities in our healthcare systems. We know quite well that deliberate collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to excellence are required to achieve these priorities. A strong provider network is doubtless the backbone of any effective healthcare system. It ensures that our mutual enrollees receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place, and at the right price,” Dr Nwachi stated.

She added that SUNU Health would fully comply with the NHIA’s one-hour authorisation approval timeframe, noting that it aligns with the organisation’s core value of promptness and its slogan, “Humanity is the centre of our initiatives.” She also highlighted the introduction of SUNU Legacy, a new operational software and mobile application designed to enhance access and service efficiency.

Speaking at the forum, 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 patient outcomes and strengthen accountability among HMOs.

Dr Abraham explained that providers who do not receive a response from an HMO within the stipulated timeframe are expected to report to the NHIA via email, copy the HMO, attach a timestamped request, and proceed to treat the enrollee.

He also addressed concerns raised by healthcare facilities, including drug stockouts and reported discrimination against enrollees, noting that the authority is working to resolve these challenges while ensuring all insured patients receive appropriate care.

In his remarks, NHIA Ogun State Coordinator, Mr Dare Adefeso, acknowledged ongoing complaints from enrollees and stressed that healthcare providers must ensure proper treatment for all patients with valid health insurance coverage, regardless of status.

Adding a historical perspective, the Ogun State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Aishat Tiamiyu, praised SUNU Health’s long-standing service, noting that the agency has been enrolled with the HMO for over 25 years. She also called for the enrolment of new NOA staff into the scheme.

The Providers’ Forum is one of SUNU Health’s key engagement platforms, designed to strengthen collaboration with healthcare providers, address operational challenges, introduce system improvements, and enhance overall healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.