ASHIA Warns Desk Officers Against Overbilling, Unauthorised Charges
Korede Abdullah 
AWKA, Nigeria – The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has cautioned desk officers at accredited healthcare facilities against overbilling enrollees and imposing unauthorised charges, warning that such practices threaten the credibility of the state’s health insurance scheme.
The Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr Augustine Ezeka, issued the warning during a meeting with desk officers, urging them to uphold professionalism, accountability and transparency in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He reminded the officers that they serve as the agency’s representatives within healthcare facilities and are expected to protect the interests of beneficiaries while preserving the agency’s reputation.
“Some of you are indirectly tarnishing the name of the agency we have spent years to establish,” Ezeka said.
He directed all accredited facilities to ensure beneficiaries are charged strictly according to the approved drug tariff and not subjected to unauthorised payments while accessing healthcare services.
Ezeka also urged providers participating in the Global Fund programme to treat beneficiaries with dignity and without discrimination or stigma.
On the issue of pre-authorisation requests, he advised desk officers to submit complete and accurate clinical information to prevent unnecessary delays or rejection of approvals.
“Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to denial of requests and unnecessary delays in accessing healthcare services,” he said.
The executive secretary stressed that strict adherence to ASHIA’s operational guidelines would improve service delivery, strengthen public confidence in the scheme and protect enrollees from avoidable financial and administrative burdens.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
