Hospital leaders in Kano State have praised the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for reforms that have saved money, restored vital services, and reduced financial stress for patients and hospitals.
The reforms are part of President Bola Tinubu’s health sector renewal programme, led by the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. They include higher tariff payments, quicker approvals, and special support packages such as aid for women living with obstetric fistula.
Dr. Hussaini Muhammad, Chief Medical Director of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, described the NHIA’s N120,000 fistula support package as life-changing. He said many poor women could not afford treatment in the past, but now they receive surgery and seed money to rebuild their lives. “One woman started petty trading, another bought sewing machines. This is dignity restored,” he said.
Hospitals are also saving money on services and equipment. Dr. Muhammad explained that NHIA-funded automated machines have cut down delays in medical tests and reduced waste. “Results are now ready in hours, not days. Patients no longer wander around, and doctors trust the results. It saves time, money, and improves accuracy.” He added that maternal deaths have fallen by 40 percent because hospitals no longer wait endlessly for payments.
At Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Chief Medical Director Dr. Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe said higher capitation payments have greatly reduced drug shortages. “NHIA’s tariff increase has cut out-of-stock drugs by 80 percent. Patients get drugs at market prices, glasses are back in ophthalmology, and approvals on the digital portal take less than 15 minutes. A diabetic ulcer patient got surgery in 1 hour instead of 5 days,” he explained.
Other health officials, including Dr. Rahila Aliyu of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Agency and Dr. Zainab Umar of AKTH, confirmed that the reforms have lowered costs, restored services, improved drug supplies, and reduced waiting times. They said healthcare is now cheaper, faster, and more effective.
