The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three Lagos-based health facilities to expand access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC), aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths while easing out-of-pocket spending for vulnerable households.
The agreement, signed on August 29 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, involves FMC Ebute Metta, FMC Epe, and Outreach Signature Women and Children Centre, Lekki, as partner facilities in the neonatal component of the scheme.
Speaking at the event, NHIA Director-General/CEO, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, assured the facilities of prompt settlement of validated claims for services provided to eligible women and newborns.
“We are insurance. We honour validated claims from inception. By entering this contractual agreement, we are assuring you: go ahead and treat these women and newborns, and the NHIA will honour its commitment,” Ohiri said.
He explained that the initiative forms part of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, led by the Coordinating Minister of Health, to advance universal health coverage with equity at its core.
According to him, more than 3,000 women have already benefited from a pilot maternal health financing programme across 20 facilities nationwide, following earlier tests in four centres. He said the success of the pilot had prompted government to direct the expansion of the programme to cover women with obstetric complications, focusing on the five leading causes of maternal death.
Managing Director/CEO of Outreach Signature Women and Children Centre, Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, described the agreement as a breakthrough but stressed the need for stronger capacity building. “Financing has not always reached the poor, illiterate women who need it most. This MoU changes the picture. But financing alone cannot guarantee quality. We must also train more hands and establish a functional referral network,” she said.
Medical Director of FMC, Epe, Dr. Adeleke Adesola, commended NHIA for selecting the centre as a pilot hub and pledged full support. Chief Medical Director of FMC, Ebute Metta, Dr. Saheed Ogunme, highlighted the importance of a sustainable health financing model, noting that deliberate government intervention was crucial.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included NHIA Director, Informal Sector Department, Dr. Salawudeen Sikiru; Acting Director, NHIA Lagos Zone, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar Haruna; Director, Human Resources and Administration, FMC Ebute Metta, Mr. Harrison Etim; and Managing Director/CEO of Reliance HMO, Mr. Novo Abere, the programme’s Third-Party Administrator.
