NBA Welfare Committee Secures Major Breakthroughs in Landmark NHIA Engagement

LegalLinkz


ABUJA – June 13, 2024: In a decisive move to improve access to quality healthcare for legal practitioners across Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Welfare Committee held a landmark meeting with the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)—a visit that has now resulted in several key victories for members of the Bar.

Led by the dynamic Dr. Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN, FCIArb, and supported by the NBA National Welfare Secretary, Auta Nyada, the Committee engaged in high-level deliberations with the NHIA, spotlighting the persistent issues lawyers face under the current national health insurance scheme.

From poor responsiveness at healthcare facilities to HMO-related access challenges, the Committee presented a unified front and advocated strongly for change.

Major Wins for Lawyers

Following intense discussions, the NHIA Director-General responded with impactful reforms:

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  • No Premium Increase for 2 Years: The annual insurance premium of ₦38,718 will remain unchanged for at least the next two years, offering financial relief and stability to legal practitioners navigating a rising cost of living.
  • Activation of Toll-Free NHIA Enforcement Lines: Two dedicated call numbers have been officially unveiled—0808 328 0131 and 0701 389 2438—to enable lawyers across Nigeria to report delays, poor service, or facility misconduct directly to the NHIA.
  • Access Code Bottlenecks Eliminated: Responding to longstanding complaints about HMO code approval delays, the NHIA confirmed the issuance of a new circular mandating all hospitals to commence treatment if authorization is delayed beyond one hour—a major victory for timely and life-saving medical intervention.

These reforms, designed to make the NHIA more accessible, responsive, and user-focused, are expected to significantly improve the healthcare experience for legal practitioners.

A Call for Nationwide Vigilance and Feedback

In his remarks, Dr. Onoja, SAN, praised the NHIA’s openness to reform and emphasized the importance of continued feedback:

“We urge all lawyers to make use of the enforcement lines and monitor their experiences at healthcare facilities. This is how we hold the system accountable and ensure that lawyers—and indeed all Nigerians—receive the quality healthcare they deserve.”

With these developments, the NBA National Welfare Committee continues to demonstrate its commitment to the holistic well-being of its members—advancing beyond courtrooms and chambers to secure tangible social protection and support.

  • NHIA Enforcement Numbers:
    0808 328 0131
    0701 389 2438
  • 0805 901 5854

For all complaints, delays, or challenges with HMOs and hospitals under the NHIA scheme, lawyers are encouraged to call immediately.

#HealthcareForLawyers #NBAWelfareCommittee #NHIAReforms #AccessToCare

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