Hospital administrators in Kano State have praised the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for reforms that have delivered cost savings, restored critical services, and eased the financial burden on patients and facilities.
Driven by the Tinubu administration’s health sector renewal programme under Coordinating Minister, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, the reforms include higher tariff payments, faster approvals, and targeted support packages such as aid for women living with obstetric fistula.
Dr Hussaini Muhammad, Chief Medical Director of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, said NHIA’s N120,000 fistula support package has been life-changing. “Before NHIA, these patients, often impoverished, abandoned treatment due to costs. Now, they receive surgery and seed capital to restart their lives. One woman used the funds to open a petty trade; another bought sewing machines. This is dignity restored.”
Beyond patient relief, hospitals are also saving costs on infrastructure and service delivery. Dr Muhammad noted that automated machines funded by NHIA have cut delays in test results and reduced waste. “Results are now ready in hours, not days. Patients no longer wander the hospital, and doctors trust the findings. It saves time, money, and improves accuracy.” He added that maternal mortality has dropped by 40 per cent as delayed payments are now eliminated.
At Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Chief Medical Director Dr Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe said increased capitation payments have dramatically reduced drug shortages.
“NHIA’s tariff increase has reduced out-of-stock syndrome by 80 per cent.
Patients get drugs at market rates, and glasses are back in ophthalmology. Approvals now take under 15 minutes on digital portals. A diabetic ulcer patient got surgery in 1 hour instead of 5 days,” he revealed.
Other administrators, including Dr Rahila Aliyu of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Agency and Dr Zainab Umar of AKTH, confirmed that the reforms have not only saved costs but also restored full services, improved drug procurement, and reduced patient waiting times—making healthcare delivery both cheaper and more effective
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