The Managing Director of Ultimate Health Management Services Limited, Mr. Lekan Ewenla, has announced the HMO’s commitment to expanding the provision of high-quality health insurance services to more states and private sector organizations.
Ewenla also emphasized that the HMO is actively collaborating with the National Health Insurance Authority and the Health Care Providers Association of Nigeria to establish appropriate pricing structures in the healthcare sector.
Ewenla made these remarks during an interactive session hosted by Ultimate Health Management Services in Lagos, which brought together stakeholders from the country’s health insurance sector.
He explained that when the health insurance scheme was initially introduced in the country, Ultimate Health Management primarily focused on the public sector due to the lack of private sector regulation.
Their dedication to maintaining high standards and integrity in their operations guided this decision.
However, with the introduction of the NHIA Act, which extended regulatory oversight to the private sector, Ultimate Health Management decided to extend its longstanding commitment to quality service to the private sector as well.
Ewenla revealed that the HMO has already received regulatory approval to launch three new products aimed at expanding health insurance coverage within the private sector.
Ewenla also highlighted the issue of under-pricing of tariffs in private health insurance, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders to ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare.
Aisha Abubakar, Deputy Director of NHIA, emphasized the importance of numbers in the insurance business, particularly with the passing of an Act mandating health insurance for all Nigerians.
She mentioned ongoing work on NHIA implementation guidelines.
Dr. Jimi Agrigbabuwo, the immediate President of HCPAN, stressed the urgency of reviewing tariffs paid to healthcare providers, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the healthcare system.