In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of medicine, as well as his contributions to the growth of private medical practice in the country, Dr Umar Sanda, president of Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) has been bestowed with the prestigious Distinguished Medical Practitioner of Nigeria (DMP) award.
The award conferment which was recently organised by the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) took place at the Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the association in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
The charismatic medical doctor, who has always been at the forefront of canvassing for better ways to handle pre-paid capitation in line with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Act, was applauded all the way as he walked to the podium to receive the award.
At the 13th Annual General Meeting of the association held at Sickle Cell Foundation Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos on 14 December, 2017, it would be recalled that Sanda bemoaned how providers were displeased with the manner pre-paid capitation was gradually metamorphosing into post-paid which was totally against the NHIS Act.
According to him, “HCPAN therefore solicits that as earlier done when the scheme first started, HMOs should be paid quarterly for it to trickle down to providers. This ought to be the way to go.
“We also appeal that oversight functions which includes monitoring of both HMOs and providers be implemented by the regulators – NHIS. Anybody found wanting in this regard should be sanctioned.”
 has been bestowed with the prestigious Distinguished Medical Practitioner){kind=link}