The operation of National Health Insurance Scheme using contemporary information and communication technology (ICT) equipment has received a significant boost with the delivery of 37 customised Mobile Biometric Enrollment kit and 100 identity card printers to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
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The Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) presented the full complement of the devices to the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Prof Mohammed Sambo, in Abuja.
Delighted with the milestone, Prof Sambo said that the electronic platform will transform the entire operations of health insurance in the country from enrollment to access to care, adding that the device will enable the conduct of registration activities in rural areas and places where there is no electricity.
Tracing the history of the e-NHIS project, Sambo expressed gratitude to the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for breathing life into the project and the minister of health, Dr Osagie Ehanire for his unflinching support which facilitated Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the project.
Explaining features of the device, Deputy Manager, NIGCOMSAT, Mr Akin Morakinyo said that the kit is ruggedized tamperproof and waterproof IP67 standard comprising a laptop, fingerprint scanner, signature pad, HD webcam, thermal printer and 45000mah backup battery which can last eight hours without charge, adding that the device can work online and offline while its accompanying identity card printer can produce 1000 cards per kit per day.
General Manager, Human Resources (NIGCOMSAT)Alh. Idris Adamu, who led the agency’s team of experts, further explained that the enrollment kit will enable NHIS fulfill its partnership agreement with the Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on the compulsory National Identity Number (NIN), adding that the kit was custom-made for the Scheme.
Adamu further explained that in the event of the kit falling from a 10-feet height it will suffer no disrepair, adding that the device was carefully designed to withstand intense physical pressure.
The automation of NHIS services is to come on stream later on in the year.
