The Medical Director of Ultra-Modern Police Hospital, Damaturu, Yobe State, Prof. Muhammed Bashir Tahir, has urged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to incorporate more healthcare facilities into its National Free Fistula Programme.
The call was made during a recent NHIA sensitization visit to the hospital, aimed at educating staff on the Authority’s operations.
Prof. Tahir praised the initiative as a critical effort by the Federal Government and NHIA to combat fistula-related stigma and reduce maternal mortality rates across Nigeria.
He emphasized that the programme is essential in addressing the high rates of fistula cases, which disproportionately affect women in lower socioeconomic groups.
During the visit, Prof. Tahir encouraged hospital staff to maintain their teamwork, likening the hospital system to a functioning unit where each part is essential.
“Every system has boundaries, is influenced by its context, and is defined by its structure and function,” he stated, urging all departments to collaborate effectively.
In a related presentation, NHIA’s Yobe State Coordinator, Mal. Mansur Akilu, represented by Dr. Salisu Hassan, highlighted an increase in capitation payment to 60%, and 40% fee for service, a decision made by NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohire.
The adjustment, he noted, is aimed at enhancing service delivery across participating facilities.
The NHIA medical team, led by Dr. Ibrahim Auwal, delivered presentations on referral protocols, claims management, and benefit packages. Members of the NHIA team include Dr. Dasuma, Nurse Suleiman Daya and Lab Scientist Umar Manzo.
Key staff members from the Police Ultra-Modern Hospital, including NHIA Desk Officer Emmanuel Isaac and Hospital Admin Secretary Hamza Sale, participated in the session.
The event was also attended by the PA of the MD Muhammed Mafi, OC Medical Shamaza Samuel and Hajiya Murjanatu Yalwa, the image marker of the hospital. The forum was equally attended by the all Department and Unit heads of the hospital.
As part of its monitoring activities, the NHIA team also visited the Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital in Damaturu, one of the healthcare facilities selected in the Northeast to provide free fistula services.
The other facilities include the National Obstetric Fistula Centre in Ningi, Bauchi State, and the VVF Centre at Gombe State Specialist Hospital.
The NHIA Coordinator, Mal. Mansur Akilu, interacted with patients receiving treatment, expressing satisfaction with the quality of care being provided. The State Coordinator was accompanied by Mal.Jafar Sada from the NHIA Audit Unit.
The inclusion of more healthcare centers under the National Free Fistula Programme is expected to improve access to life-saving treatment for many women across Nigeria, helping to restore dignity and health to those affected by the condition.
