NOA, SUNU HMO launch awareness campaign on NHIA health insurance scheme
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with SUNU Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), has launched a two-day sensitisation programme to improve public understanding of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme and the services provided by Health Maintenance Organisations.
The awareness forum, held at the agency's headquarters in Abuja, brought together NOA officials, health insurance experts and stakeholders to promote access to affordable healthcare and strengthen awareness of health insurance benefits.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs Ayisola Olowoyo, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare through health insurance.
He noted that healthcare financing and improved access remain key priorities of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that achieving Universal Health Coverage requires sustained public awareness and collaboration among stakeholders.
Issa-Onilu said the agency also organised the programme in response to findings from a nationwide staff satisfaction survey on healthcare services provided under the SUNU HMO scheme. According to him, the survey highlighted areas requiring improvement and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to enhancing the welfare of its workforce.
Also speaking, the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr Ayoola Olufemi, represented by Deputy Director Simon Idoko, described the programme as part of the agency's broader efforts to improve staff welfare and productivity.
He explained that the staff satisfaction survey provided valuable feedback on healthcare access, service quality and enrollee experiences, which would help shape improvements in health insurance delivery.
Representing the Managing Director of SUNU Health HMO, Dr Nwachi Faith welcomed the initiative, saying the feedback generated by the survey would enable the organisation to identify service gaps and strengthen its partnership with the NOA in delivering quality healthcare services.
The Federal Capital Territory Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority, Williams Ebiokobo, also enlightened participants on the benefits of the NHIA scheme, explaining how enrollees can access healthcare services through accredited HMOs while outlining their rights and responsibilities.
The forum featured health education sessions on healthy living, presentations on the revised NHIA operational guidelines, and free medical services, including hepatitis B screening, blood sugar tests and blood pressure checks for participants.
The sensitisation programme forms part of ongoing efforts to promote health insurance awareness, improve healthcare access and support the Federal Government's drive towards universal health coverage in Nigeria.
Benita Ibrahim
