PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA – To pronounce its commitment to the healthcare sector, SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, a prominent member of SUNU Group and a leading Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and innovator in healthcare solutions, has successfully hosted its highly anticipated National Providers Forum (NPF) 2025 yesterday, June 24, 2025.
Held in the vibrant city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the providers ' forum is part of NHIA regulatory requirement for accredited HMOs. Themed “Bridging the Gap: Building a Stronger HMO-Provider Relationship,” the event brought together a diverse group of healthcare stakeholders. It fostered critical dialogue and laid the groundwork for significant advancements in the nation's healthcare sector, underscoring SUNU Health's unwavering commitment to collaborative growth and excellence in service delivery.
The NPF 2025 served as a crucial platform for engagement, designed to strengthen relationships with healthcare providers and discuss strategies for enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical services across Nigeria. Through this initiative of bringing together professionals from various specialties and regions, SUNU Health aimed to harness collective expertise to address prevailing challenges and unlock new opportunities for development within the health insurance industry.
Discussions at the forum delved into critical operational aspects, specifically focusing on the payment system, the tariff structure, and optimizing response times. These key areas were thoroughly examined to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and better collaboration among stakeholders.
In his keynote address, Dr. Patrick Korie, Managing Director of SUNU Health, set the stage by emphasizing the forum's core mission: to thoroughly explore the intricacies of the HMO-Provider relationship. He stated that discussions would openly address common challenges such as payment delays, lack of transparency, and inadequate reimbursement rates that often strain partnerships. Dr. Korie articulated, “Crucially, the discussions will highlight the significant advantages of a strong collaboration, emphasizing how a good HMO-Provider relationship directly leads to improved patient care, increased operational efficiency by streamlining processes, and ultimately enhanced credibility for the entire healthcare system.”
Underscoring the company's commitment to responsiveness, Dr. Korie revealed that the company conducted a comprehensive survey with providers and clients to truly understand their perspectives. This direct feedback has informed SUNU Health's strategic decision to reorganize internal procedures to enhance partnerships. Key actions include establishing regular, transparent communication channels, disseminating clear guidelines, and committing to timely payments within a 30-day cycle for PHIS and NHIA, strictly adhering to operational guidelines.
The company boss added that SUNU Health has embraced new technology for communication and claims submission and will routinely conduct continuous data analytics to identify areas for improvement. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Korie affirmed, "At SUNU, which means 'our own,' humanity is at the centre of all our initiatives. Therefore, building a stronger relationship between us and our providers is not just an objective; it is essential for delivering the quality healthcare services our communities deserve."
A hallmark of this year's forum was its inclusive approach. While many providers gathered physically in Port Harcourt, a significant number also participated virtually, joining online from across the country. This hybrid format ensured broader participation, allowing a wider array of voices and perspectives to contribute to the discussions, truly reflecting SUNU Health’s dedication to nationwide impact.
Discussions at the forum spanned a wide range of critical topics, including innovative healthcare delivery models, leveraging technology for improved patient outcomes, navigating regulatory landscapes, and strategies for sustainable growth in a dynamic environment. Interactive sessions and expert presentations provided attendees with actionable insights and fostered a spirit of shared learning and problem-solving.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Faith Nwachi, Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, emphasized the significance of partnership in healthcare; "The National Providers Forum is more than just a gathering; it's a testament to our belief in the power of partnership. We are committed to empowering our providers with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to deliver exceptional care. The insights gained today will undoubtedly fuel our collective efforts to elevate healthcare standards across Nigeria and drive sustainable industry growth."
The forum concluded with a reinforced sense of collaboration and a shared vision for the future of Nigerian healthcare. Participants lauded the initiative for its relevance and the opportunity it provided to network, share best practices, and collectively chart a course towards a more robust and responsive healthcare system. The hybrid model was particularly praised for its ability to bridge geographical divides and ensure comprehensive engagement.
SUNU Health plans to leverage the outcomes and feedback from the NPF 2025 to refine its strategies, develop new support programs for its network, and continue advocating for policies that promote healthcare excellence. The company remains dedicated to its role as a catalyst for positive change, consistently striving to enhance the lives of Nigerians through superior healthcare management.
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