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.
Health
Sault Tribe Enacts Smoking Ban in Kewaunee
Health and comfort have become increasingly essential issues lately, and this has not gone unnoticed in entertainment venues. The Sault Tribe, which operates the Kewadin Casino, has decided to ban smoking in five gambling establishments. This innovation is aimed at creating a healthier environment for all visitors and employees.
Health and comfort come first
Tribal representatives emphasized that people’s health is their top priority. The decision to ban smoking was a logical step toward positive change. “As a tribal government, we are focused on improving health, and the move to ban smoking in casinos is the right step forward,” notes one tribal speaker. This means caring about the health of visitors and the well-being of the employees who work in these facilities daily.
The Sault Tribe has been actively gathering opinions from its customers and employees, and the results have been unequivocal: many are in favor of banning smoking. “We have heard from many customers and employees that a smoking ban is the right step forward,” states a tribal spokesperson. Such feedback confirms that concern for health and well-being is becoming increasingly important to the gambling industry.
What will change at Kewadin casinos?
In the weeks following the passage of the amendments, Kewadin casinos located in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel will begin implementing the new policy. The smoking ban will be in effect in all establishments, including gaming rooms, restaurants, and recreational facilities. This approach will not only make the casino experience more enjoyable for non-smoking visitors, but it will also create a safer environment for employees who spend much time in the gaming rooms.
Positive implications for business and society
The adopted initiative will not only bring health benefits but will also affect the success of businesses in the long run:
- The actions taken also emphasize the Sault Tribe’s social responsibility. They are not just in business but also show concern for the well-being of their customers and employees, making them an example for other gambling establishments.
- Banning smoking in Kewadin casinos will create a more pleasant environment for both non-smokers and those looking to quit smoking. Smoking in public places often makes other visitors uncomfortable, and this move will help eliminate the unpleasant odour and smoke, thus creating a more pleasant atmosphere throughout the gaming rooms, restaurants, and other recreational areas.
- The changes may attract a new audience interested in entertainment but previously avoided visiting casinos because of the smoking environment. This can lead not only to an increase in the number of guests but also, as a result, to increased profits for the establishment.
At the same time, avid smokers, which are still quite a lot, will be less likely to visit land-based casinos, where they are forbidden to relax in the usual way. Especially since today, they do not have to visit these establishments to satisfy their gambling needs.
Analyzing the search engine allows you to quickly find many popular operators, including 1win, with the largest number of gambling entertainment. And you can access these games without having to leave home. To register on 1win, it is enough to fill in a few fields in the appropriate window and develop a password. It takes less than a minute to do this and deposit money into your account. Moreover, most of the games can be played in a free demo.
Chippewa Tribe aims to create a “smoke-free” space that combines a healthy environment with the opportunity to relax and enjoy gambling. The new approach to business reflects and supports global trends aimed at caring for public health and reducing the negative impact of tobacco smoke on the health of others.
Recall that earlier, scientists told us about the new harm of smoking. According to new data, the negative impact of this bad habit on the immune system persists for several years after a person quits smoking.
Health
SpecSMART Eye Clinic Takes Affordable, Quality Care to Ikeja, Environs
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The dream of residents of Ikeja and its environs enjoying affordable and quality care has now become a reality as a result of the opening of a new branch of SpecSMART Eye Clinic in the Opebi area of the capital of Lagos State.
SpecSMART Eye Clinic, a leading provider of optometry services in Lagos, commenced operations in Nigeria’s commercial capital in 2022.
Since then, it has been offering top-notch eye care to residents of the metropolis, especially those living on the Island. It has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality primary eye care and optical products.
However, to extend its services to Lagosians living on the Mainland, it has now opened a new branch in Ikeja, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible, affordable eye care to a wider community.
Business Post gathered that the clinic’s state-of-the-art services are supported by a team of skilled optometrists and opticians, utilizing cutting-edge digital equipment.
The new Ikeja location will offer a wide range of services, including Automated Eye Examinations using advanced digital equipment for precise diagnosis and personalized care.
In addition, clients will enjoy on-the-spot lens glazing for single vision, bifocals, and varifocals, with additional lens coatings, with services to be rendered seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am 7 pm.
Also, the clinic has over 950 frames, ranging from affordable home brands to premium designer options, priced from N18,000, and has flexible appointment scheduling with 24-hour online booking via SpecSMART’s website.
The facility has partnerships with leading HMO providers in the country and offers glaucoma management and other essential eye health services.
According to the company, its introductory packages start from N30,000 and include consultation, frame, and single-vision lenses.
“With the opening of our Ikeja branch, we are ready to serve more individuals who need accessible, cost-effective, and reliable eye care.
“Our aim is to create a positive impact in Nigeria’s optometry sector by combining advanced technology with a patient-centred approach,” the Practice Head and Medical Director of SpecSMART, Dr Adaeze Nwoko, stated.
Health
FG Begins Vaccination Against Mpox in FCT, Six States
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced the vaccination against Monkeypox, now known as Mpox.
Business Post reports that Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, were selected as pilot states for the vaccination.
An average of 631 persons are expected to be vaccinated across the seven states with two doses of the Mpox vaccine. A buffer for 50 persons will be kept at the national in case of an upsurge in other states.
NPHCDA in a statement posted on its verified X account confirmed the exercise, stressing that the vaccination will help to protect communities and safeguarding health of the people.
In a related development, according to the latest update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are 1,442 suspected cases of Mpox from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while the number of confirmed cases of the infection was 118 from 28 states and the FCT.
“To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas, avoid handling materials that have been in contact with infected animals, limit unnecessary physical contact with individuals who are infected, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating.
“It’s also important to use protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or their tissues. Similarly, health workers are advised to follow standard safety protocols including droplet precautions when treating patients, use protective equipment including masks, gloves, and gowns, during patient care, and be vigilant for symptoms of Mpox, especially fever and rash, among other measures.”
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