NHIA Pushes for Health Insurance on Driver Licenses and Vehicle Records to Boost Crash Victim Care

CHIDI UGWU

The head of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has suggested an alliance with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) designed to enhance urgent medical care for individuals involved in road accidents by incorporating health insurance details into driver's license and car registration procedures.

During a formal visit to the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, Dr. Ohiri suggested the initiative, highlighting that the partnership would enable quick determination of the health insurance details of accident victims and remove the administrative delays typically linked with obtaining urgent medical care.

As stated in a document authored by Osondu Ohaeri, the Deputy Corps Commander, Ohiri, who serves as the Corps Public Education Officer, mentioned that this program aims to guarantee that those affected get immediate medical care without facing monetary barriers during their rescue and treatment.

In response, the Corps Marshal expressed approval of the suggestion and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for naming Dr. Ohiri as Director-General of NHIA, referring to him as "a perfect fit for the role."

He pointed out that the FRSC, serving as the primary authority for traffic control and road safety regulation in Nigeria, continues to support programs aimed at improving the security and well-being of all road users throughout the nation.

The Chief of Staff stated that every FRSC clinic across the country is recognized as a certified medical facility and mentioned that the creation of FRSC Health Maintenance Limited aimed at incorporating the whole road transportation system into cost-effective health insurance.

He stated that the initiative focuses on transportation companies, drivers, and individuals belonging to road transport unions, with an estimated total number exceeding 10 million across the country.

He also mentioned that FRSC maintains a registry containing over 12 million licensed drivers and is open to collaborating with NHIA so that enrolling in health insurance becomes part of obtaining or renewing a driver's license. This partnership, according to him, would ensure better safety, increased availability of emergency medical services, and timely assistance for accident victims regardless of their economic situation during the rescue.

The Chief of Staff also conveyed the Corps' willingness to collaborate with NHIA in integrating National Health Insurance information into passenger lists and other transportation documents, aiming to enhance emergency response systems and improve medical services within the road transport industry.

Emphasizing FRSC's long-term dedication to post-accident assistance, the Corps Marshal pointed out that the organization was the pioneer in Nigeria to create an specialized ambulance system along with emergency medical stations positioned at high-risk accident areas throughout the nation, reinforcing its devotion to protecting lives on Nigerian highways.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).