Avon HMO Launched, Amid Great Expectations From NHIS

July 31, 2013 - PRLog -- This was the hope expressed by Dr. Abdulrahman Sambo, the Acting Executive Secretary, National health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) who was one of the special guests at the launch event.

Listing Universal Health Coverage as one of the key issues in the health industry, not only in Nigeria but globally, the NHIS boss expressed confidence that Avon HMO would help in reaching the vast majority of Nigerians who are still without health insurance.

He said: “Indeed, we at NHIS are happy at the entry of a strong HMO like Avon. With Avon, we will surely see a very strong penetration of the health insurance market in Nigeria.”

Speaking in the same vein, Mrs. Simbo Ukiri, the MD/CEO, Avon HMO, stated that her company is committed to pursuing the goals of Universal Health Coverage. She said: “Our task in Avon is simple. We want to ensure that Nigerians from all walks of life have access to affordable and adequate health care, without facing financial obstacles when they need to attend to their health.  That basically is what the Universal Health Coverage is all about, and that is what we are going to be working towards. We will ensure that there is a plan for everyone, no matter the social strata they belong to.”

Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson, Avon HMO, in her remarks, stressed that Avon’s desire to make healthcare accessible and affordable to Nigerians across board is what sets it apart from other HMOs in the country. In her words, “Avon’s genuine and sincere compassion for people and strong desire to preserve life is what sets us apart.  We believe that everyone, no matter the ailment, health condition or diagnosis that life throws at them, deserves to live their lives to the fullest level that they possibly can.

”Avon’s presence in the Nigerian market was in line with the wave of healthcare reforms sweeping across the country. It is evident that the present administration has taken a serious approach towards healthcare accessibility and delivery. Indeed,  it promises to be an exciting and transformational journey as Avon HMO is set to be a key player and leading contributor to the wave of healthcare reforms sweeping across the country,” she added.

The event was also graced by several high profile dignitaries, including: Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CON, African business leader, philanthropist and Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Chief Segun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State; and Prince Julius Adelusi-Adelusi, former Minister of Health, amongst others. The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, was represented by Dr. Femi Olugbile, Permanent Secretary; Lagos State Ministry of Health.

With over 300 hospitals currently in its network, Avon Healthcare, a part of the Pan-African investment group, Heirs Holdings, offers health insurance plans, health risk assessment, occupational health management, employee well-being and other services to individuals, families, groups, companies and the government.

Its full range of carefully designed health plans provides increasing levels of care, which cover typical ailments and procedures that are treatable within and outside Nigeria.