The Ultimate Health Management Services Limited has called for urgent improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and greater compliance with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.

The firm also expressed concern over the low level of adherence to the NHIA Act, which mandates health insurance enrollment for all Nigerians and legal residents. The law was signed into effect on May 19, 2022.

The Managing Director of the organisation, Mr Lekan Ewenla, disclosed this in Abuja, during its 14th yearly general meeting, and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to excellent service delivery through digital innovation, enhanced operational efficiency, and a renewed focus on preventive healthcare.

He compared the NHIA’s regulatory responsibilities to those of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the banking sector and PENCOM in the pensions industry, noting that its enforcement role must be more assertive.

Ewenla said the persistent disregard for the law undermines efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and compromises access to affordable, quality healthcare for millions of Nigerians.

As part of its internal reforms, the company introduced technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving service delivery. “We have also implemented a process to enhance vigorously and strategically the implementation of preventive care.

“Preventive care is going to be paramount on the services being provided by our teammates as we speak. The internal operational process of procedures has been completely overpowered to ensure the seamless and efficient.”

Ewenla also noted that efforts are underway to enforce mandatory health insurance across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

He said that the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) are working together to ensure full compliance.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Mrs Angela Ajala, emphasised the need for stakeholders to evolve in response to new healthcare demands, including mental health support, telemedicine, and care for children with special needs.

Ajala urged stakeholders to approach healthcare delivery with intentionality and integrity, adding that the firm is integrating legal, digital, and community-based innovations into its services.