Utomi, Others Advocate Insurance For Accessible Healthcare Delivery

An economist, Professor Pat Utomi has advocated health insurance as a platform for accessible healthcare delivery in the country.

Disclosing the importance of good health, he noted that, when wealth is lost everything is lost.

Speaking at the just concluded virtual summit organised by AXA Mansard Insurance Plc with the theme: ‘Wellvolution: Health for the wealth of our Nation’ in commemoration of it’s 10th anniversary, Utomi said: ”When wealth is lost, nothing is lost, when health is lost something/everything is lost. To that effect, Canada knows the value of a working health system which is why Canada is one of the best places to live in the world. It is because it values its health care system.

”Community and rural health should be prioritised because health is not just wealth but prosperity for human progress.”

Reacting on the connection between tech and health, Investor and Techpreneur, Iyin Aboyeji, explained that, with the help of technology, the healthcare system can metamorphose across shores, especially, health insurance can become more accessible to all and sundry.

On his part, he clarified the effectiveness of how technology can assist in increasing people’s access to health insurance by simply putting forward appropriate information so people can have easy access.

Country manager and Chief Medical Director, AXA OneHealth Limited,  Dr. Misbau Oleolo,  said: ”I don’t blame medical doctors leaving Nigeria for abroad to practice because the Nigerian system oftentimes, doesn’t give room for expansion. The brain drain is not respected and it affects Nigerians in the diaspora which is a setback for them to come back to Nigeria. Brand drain is very important for Nigerians in diaspora for them to come back to the country.

“Brand drain is what Nigerians need to promote the country forward.”

Associate director & Head of the People, Performance & Culture (PPC). KPMG;  

Gloria Ibeziako, explained the benefits of health insurance and the role it plays in maximizing the output of staff productivity.

”When a staff knows that her employer cares about her health and well-being she will do what needs to be done. There was a time when a staffer was subconscious, it was a helicopter emergency ambulance that came to the rescue. That shows that staff will be willing to do extra as the company prioritises their health too,” Ibeziako stressed.

The conference had in attendance several well-to-do dignitaries, they are; Prof Pat Utomi, as the keynote speaker; Dr. Misbau Oleolo, Country Manager and Chief Medical Director, AXA OneHealth Limited, Gloria Ibeziako, Associate Director & Head of the People, Performance & Culture (PPC). KPMG; Iyin Aboyeji, Investor and Techpreneur, and Dr Yakubu Agada, General Manager, National Health Insurance Authority, Abuja.

The conference which was moderated by the Chief Customer and Marketing officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Jumoke Odunlami, argued that the impact of good health can not be overemphasised and, therefore, served as the source of the company’s theme ‘Wellvolution: Health for the wealth of our Nation’ for the year.