NHIA Reaffirms Commitment to One-Hour Authorization Code Policy

Strategic Insights -

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fully implement and sustain its new one-hour authorization code policy, aimed at improving service delivery to enrolees across Nigeria. The policy, introduced under the NHIA Act 2022, mandates Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to issue authorization codes to healthcare providers within one hour of receiving treatment requests. The policy is part of broader reforms to reduce delays in access to care and has been implemented in conjunction with other initiatives such as comprehensive Emergency Maternal and Neonatal Care and a free Fistula Programme for women experiencing post-delivery urinary leakage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHIA has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the one-hour authorization code policy, which took effect on 1 April, 2025, under the NHIA Act 2022.
  • The policy requires Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to issue authorization codes to healthcare providers within one hour of receiving treatment requests.
  • Hospitals are expected to escalate requests to the NHIA state office for further directive if HMOs fail to issue the code within one hour.
  • Other reforms introduced by the NHIA include comprehensive Emergency Maternal and Neonatal Care and a free Fistula Programme for women experiencing post-delivery urinary leakage.
  • The NHIA Coordinator in Nasarawa, Mary Aliu, noted that enrolment rates in the state are high, including among those in the informal sector.
  • A representative of Ultimate HMO, Cosmas Michael, commended the NHIA for organizing the forum and stated that his organization supports the policy through multiple request channels.
  • Stakeholders at the forum included HMOs, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA), Hospital Management Board, and healthcare providers.

Statistics:

  • The nationwide implementation of the one-hour authorization code policy aims to improve service delivery and reduce delays in access to care.
  • The policy has been introduced under the NHIA Act 2022, which took effect on 1 April, 2025.
  • The policy requires HMOs to issue authorization codes to healthcare providers within 1 hour of receiving treatment requests.
  • The NHIA has implemented comprehensive Emergency Maternal and Neonatal Care, covering all emergencies free of charge.
  • The free Fistula Programme for women experiencing post-delivery urinary leakage is available at designated hospitals.

Sources:

  • The Nigeria Tribune (2025) - NHI Reiterates Commitment to One Hour Authorization Code Policy
  • NAN (2025) - NHIA Reaffirms Commitment to One-Hour Authorization Code Policy