The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage, and National Health Insurance Authority have commended Imo State government for the successful implementation of its Imo Diagnosis-Related Group (i-DRG) Provider Payment Method, describing the state’s model as innovative and a potential blueprint for nationwide adoption.
The commendation followed a three-day field assessment conducted as a follow-up to a national methodology workshop on provider payment reforms. Imo State was selected as the pilot for in-depth review at the instance of the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Ali Pate.
The team led by Dr. Fabong Jemchang Yildam, the delegation evaluated six healthcare providers including primary health centres and secondary facilities and engaged key stakeholders through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions across the state’s health system.
The assessment revealed that Imo State’s output-based i-DRG payment model is functioning effectively across healthcare facilities. Under this system, providers are reimbursed based on defined service delivery outputs rather than inputs, a model stakeholders reported has improved efficiency, strengthened accountability, and enhanced responsiveness compared with traditional fee-for-service methods.
Healthcare providers reported satisfaction with the framework, highlighting timely claims reimbursement within 30 days and consistent operational discipline. “Providers are not owed, and the system motivates performance,” the delegation noted.
The team commended Professor Uchenna Ewelike, ES/CEO of IMSHIA, for identifying a critical gap in the health financing system in Nigeria and developing the i-DRG to address it. The delegation observed that Imo is currently the only state in Nigeria implementing a i-DRG payment system, describing the i-DRG as highly innovative and worthy of emulation by other states and nationally.
Professor Ewelike who commended the Governor of Imo State Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma for creating an enabling environment and supporting the innovative provider payment system which is today worthy of study.
Based on their findings, the federal team concluded that the i-DRG model has proven effective in Imo State and recommended its adoption under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and other national health financing schemes in Nigeria.
