Wike Settles FHIS Debt To Strenghten Healthcare Access – Belgore

The Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme, FHIS, says the backlog of debt owed to healthcare providers has been cleared by the Minister of the FCT, Dr. Nyesom Wike, to ensure that all enrollees have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

The Acting Director, FHIS, Dr. Salamatu Belgore, made this known in Abuja during an interview with Kapital FM.

She noted that the development boosted the confidence of providers in the scheme and secured uninterrupted services for residents.

According to her, all outstanding payments dating from 2022 to 2024 have been settled under the leadership of Dr. Wike, with support from the Mandate Secretary of Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, and the Executive Secretary of FHIS, Dr. Babagana Adam.

“The scheme successfully paid all outstanding premiums to healthcare providers dating back from 2022 up to 2024. This action has ensured that enrollees can continue accessing quality healthcare services and has significantly boosted the confidence of providers in the scheme.” Belgore said.

Dr. Belgore explained that the scheme has embraced digital transformation to simplify operations, as enrollees can now register, change healthcare providers, and add dependents from their homes through online platforms.

She added that claims management processes have also been digitalized, which has improved accountability and transparency within the system, while reducing delays in service delivery.

To increase visibility, Dr. Belgore said the scheme has mounted signposts at its seven zonal offices across the six area councils and the headquarters.

She said FHIS has also reactivated radio programmes and other sensitization activities to educate residents about the benefits of the scheme.

The Permanent Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, confirmed that even the approval for the first quarter of 2025 was made as far back as December 2024.

He emphasized that this proactive step by Dr. Nyesom Wike further demonstrates government’s commitment to sustaining the health insurance scheme.

Dr. Adam also stressed the need for enrollees to be aware that they are required to pay only 10 percent of all services rendered, while the scheme bears the larger cost burden.

He concluded by assuring residents that, “With the reforms already in place, FHIS is now stronger, more transparent, and better positioned to deliver affordable healthcare to every enrollee across the FCT.”

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji