Health
NHIS Delists 23 HMOs Over Failure to Meet Standards
By Dipo Olowookere
No fewer than 23 Health Management Organisations (HMOs) have been de-registered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for failing to meet up with the minimum operational standards expected of them.
Chairperson of the Board of NHIS, Mrs Enyantu Ifenne, while addressing newsmen on Thursday, disclosed that out of the 57 HMOS operating in the sector, only one scored 100 percent from the validity test conducted by the agency.
According to her, the only HMO that scored 100 percent has been given permission to operate, while the 33 others have been granted provisional accreditation.
She said these HMOs would only receive full accreditation when they meet all the conditions spelt for them.
All HMOs operating in the scheme are expected to renew their accreditation every two years.
Mrs Ifenne explained that the HMOs were scored based on aggregation of criteria and at the first cut, only 11 out of the 57 HMOs scored over 70 percent, 40 HMOs scored between 50 and 70 percent while 6 HMOs scored below 50 percent.
“The committee re-examined this and reduce the score further from 70 to 50 percent but only the Defense HMO fulfilled met most of the conditions.
“But if we apply the law, none of the 57 HMOs fully met all the NHIS requirements for accreditation.
“We have advised that the 11 HMOs that were recommended for provisional re-accreditation should comply with specific critical condition within two to three weeks before they can be fully accredited,” she said.
Mrs Ifenne further explained that the 46 HMOs who score below 70 percent were disaggregated depending on the critical condition they did not fulfil adding that the six HMOs which score less that 50 percent were removed from evaluation.
“That means they are not being considered for re-accreditation,” she said.
The NHIS chairperson said another score they used as a critical irreducible minimum was the adequacy of payoff shares capital.
“The payoff share capital for National HMOs is N400 million, zonal coverage is N200 million and the state coverage is N100 million. And this is a critical requirement because the Payoff capital share of a company is a requirement for accreditation and evidence of their financial stability,” she explained.
She also said HMOs were also required to submit their audited financial report from 2014 to 2016 but with criteria, six did not meet the requirements and one did not submit audited financial report and corporate affairs commission document, therefore removed from further consideration.
Mrs Ifenne gave some criteria considered for accreditation as; registration with cooperate affairs commission, adequacy of payoff share capital, current asset including fix asset, shareholders composition, company reserve, integrity of shareholders, composition of Board of Directors, current tax clearance of companies, current tax clearance of all Directors, appointment of audit fund and submission of audit account to NHIS as and when due, compliance with Pension PENCOM Act among others.
She charged the HMOs to do their business transparently and accountability while making profit, assuring them that the reaccreditation exercise was not meant to cripple any HMOs.
“With this shift, the healthcare providers will be held to account not only for the quality care but also for the humanity because from the information we have most in the scheme are treated as second rate patients.
“So, we all NHIS, HMOs and healthcare providers have to work so that the enrolle is at the tip of the value chain and the enrollee becomes the first in the universal coverage,” she said.
“We are going to redefine the processes and focus NHIS to stand up to its regulatory function. The failure to meet our regulatory function is the reason why this plague has being spread, not validated and no punitive action taking. We want to change that, we must change that.
“The HMOs as you can see are doing their best but they have not been regulated appropriately, we must apply the tools. They are willingly to subject themselves to regulations if we stand up to our duties.
“I don’t think any of them, except may be a few rascals want to ruin this game. Similarly, the healthcare facilities beam torchlight all the time. I believe that many of them would rather deliver quality service, they are in position to do just that,” she added.
On his part, Executive Secretary of NHIS, Mr Usman Yusuf, pledged that he will ensure that NHIS does the right thing moving forward and serve the people better.
“For a very long time, we have not being doing the right thing. I pledge as the Chief Executive of this agency, that I will do all I can to put the enrollee at the Centre rather than in the last position.”
He also denied the allegation of investing the fund of the scheme in business without due authorization, saying no Penney of the fund was invested anywhere in the country or outside the country.
Besides, he said the scheme has the right to invest its fund according to the law but it has not done that as the board has put a hold to the idea.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has launched its first nationally representative survey on antimicrobial resistance to generate critical data to guide evidence-based policies, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen health system resilience.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to cure.
As a result, surveillance is essential to track resistance patterns, identify priority pathogens, and guide targeted interventions and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, the initiative marks a milestone in the country’s public health response.
Nigeria becomes the third country globally to partner with WHO on a national antimicrobial resistance survey. having been selected based on the country’s strong commitment to AMR surveillance, its updated WHO Nigeria NAP 2.0, and readiness to expand laboratory and data systems.
Africa’s most populous country ranks 20th globally for age-standardized mortality due to antimicrobial resistance . In 2019, an estimated 263,400 deaths in Nigeria were linked to it—more than the combined deaths from enteric infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases.
Globally, resistant infections in tertiary care settings cost between $2,371 and $29,289 per patient episode, extend hospital stays by an average of 7.4 days, and increase mortality risk by 84 per cent.
The survey will see the establishment of a national baseline on antimicrobial resistance prevalence to monitor interventions, assess the distribution, burden (morbidity, mortality, DALYs, cost), and diversity of AMR across regions and populations, as well as contribute to the global target of reducing AMR deaths by 10 per cent by 2030, in line with the political declaration endorsed at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024.
It also seeks to strengthen routine antimicrobial resistance surveillance, including diagnostics, sample referral systems, and laboratory capacity.
Using WHO’s standardized methodology, the survey will run for 12–15 months and cover 40–45 randomly selected health facilities nationwide. Patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSIs) will be identified using standard case definitions, and blood samples will be analysed in quality-assured laboratories.
Data will be collected across all age groups, covering clinical, demographic, laboratory, financial, and outcome indicators. Follow-up will occur at discharge, 28 days, and three months post-infection. The survey will sample approximately 35,000 patients suspected of BSIs to obtain around 800 isolates of the most common pathogens.
Dr Tochi Okwor, Acting Head, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said, “With WHO’s support, we are confident the survey will generate the evidence needed to protect public health.”
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment stating that ,“Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward combating AMR with an approach grounded in data, science, and measurable impact. This survey will provide the clarity needed to drive smarter policies, stronger surveillance, and better patient outcomes. Nigeria is laying the foundations for a resilient health system, one that protects lives, strengthens trust, and ensures that essential medicines remain effective for future generations.”
Adding her input, Dr Laetitia Gahimbare, Technical Officer at WHO Regional Office for Africa, added:“Strengthening surveillance enhances Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to AMR threats, supporting better patient outcomes, reinforcing health security, and building a resilient system.”
Professor Babatunde Ogunbosi, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, highlighted the broader impact:, “This survey is about more than data. It’s about building national capacity for research, diagnostics, and policy. It integrates science into public health decision-making.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in Nigeria, SUNU Health, has said its philosophy is proactive wellness, noting that this was why it recently partnered with The Divine Physician and St. Luke Catholic Chaplaincy Centre for a community health initiative.
The chief executive of the company, Dr Patrick Korie, said, “SUNU Health’s vision extends far beyond merely offering health packages and insurance.”
“We are fundamentally interested in proactive wellness—preventing illness rather than just treating it. This annual exercise is a crucial part of that commitment, and we will continue to champion it for as long as we exist,” he stressed.
The medical practitioner led the company’s annual Health Walk in Lagos on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The event drew hundreds of health enthusiasts, including the Chaplain of the centre, Rev Fr. John Okoria SJ.
His active participation reinforced the spiritual and moral commitment to holistic well-being, proving crucial in mobilizing staff and community members, thereby ensuring the vital wellness message reached a broad and deeply engaged audience.
The health walk covered several major streets in Lagos, starting from Ishaga Road and navigating through Itire Road, Randle Avenue, Akerele, Ogunlana Drive, and Workers Street before concluding back at the starting point. Following the vigorous walk, participants engaged in a session of high-energy aerobics and other outdoor exercises, reinforcing the day’s focus on fitness.
“We are delighted to champion this vital health initiative alongside the Catholic Chaplaincy Centre LUTH/CMUL. The turnout was truly delightful, reflecting the community’s deep desire to embrace wellness.
“Collaborations like this amplify our message and commitment to the Nigerian community,” the Brand and Corporate Communications Lead at SUNU Health, Mr Samuel Olayemi, stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Coronation Registrars Limited, a subsidiary of Coronation Group, in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), recently hosted a Blood Drive Initiative at the 5th floor of Coronation Group Plaza. The event saw over 80 staff donate blood to support critical healthcare needs in Lagos State.
The Blood Drive Initiative forms part of Coronation’s commitment to meaningful, human-centred corporate social responsibility, a direct, measurable, and life-saving effort that reflects the Group’s health and sustainability values.
As Prosperity Partners dedicated to creating sustainable wealth for clients and the African continent, Coronation recognises that true prosperity extends beyond financial returns to encompass the well-being of communities we serve.
The company noted that this initiative enabled it to deliver immediate social impact by supporting national blood supply shortfalls through employee-driven action, demonstrate leadership in health-focused CSR aligned with ESG goals and SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), strengthen internal culture by fostering employee engagement, empathy, and purpose in a safe, structured environment, and reinforce corporate reputation through public-facing acts of service, stakeholder trust, and media visibility.
Blood donation remains a critical need in Nigeria, where regular blood supply is essential for emergency care, surgeries, and treatment of various medical conditions. Each donation can save up to three lives, and the collective effort of Coronation employees will significantly impact patients in need across Lagos State healthcare facilities.
“This aligns seamlessly with Coronation’s broader sustainability agenda, which views healthcare access as fundamental to building prosperous communities across Africa,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
Partnering with a certified medical institution, the drive was professionally managed, medically compliant, and logistically efficient. Participants underwent necessary medical screening procedures to ensure donor fitness and safety. Following their donations, donors received refreshments and appreciation for their life-saving contribution.
“At Coronation, we believe in making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said Mr Oluseyi Owoturo, Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Registrars Limited. “This Blood donation Initiative reflects our values in action, saving lives, building community, and positioning the company as a purpose-driven brand. We’re proud of our employees who stepped forward to donate blood and save lives. This is what sustainable impact looks like: tangible solutions that address real challenges facing our continent.”
The partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee ensured professional handling of the donation process, meeting all safety and quality standards for blood collection and storage.
Coronation Registrars Limited says it continues to demonstrate that corporate success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility.
“This initiative reinforces the company’s purpose to create a prosperous future for clients and the African continent through transformational solutions,” it added.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn