How [Health Insurance Scheme] Boosts Private Medical Practices: Doctors Rejoice!

The Association of Nigeria Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Delta State chapter, has lauded the state government for effective performance of the health insurance scheme.

During a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Asaba, the association led by its state chairman, Dr Clement Emudainohwo, described the establishment of Delta State Contributory Health Commission as an initiative worthy of its creation.

He affirmed that such a policy of government would go a long way in enhancing the universal health coverage.

The association however pointed out some challenges like the issue of unrealistic capitation, low premium by enrollees and late payment of capitation, which they said they had come for the commission to address.

Emudainohwo further explained that the capitation needs to be increased and measures put in place to address low premium which he said was affecting deliverables in health services. He also called for quick payment of capitation on a monthly basis to enhance business optimisation.

He urged the commission not to look away from punishing erring facilities who are breaching the codes of operation and appealed to the commission to throw its weight behind the association to ensure that all practitioners come to identify and register with it.

Director-general of the commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta appreciated the association for visiting and agreeing to the enormous achievements of the government in the health sector through the contributory health commission.

“Capitation is low because the concept behind it is different. The problem is not the unit of capitation but the multiplying factor of capitation. All we have done is to address capitation from the point that it benefits the hospitals and the society,” Akpoveta said.

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