Abuja – Hobnob News
Ultimate Health Management Services, one of Nigeria’s leading health maintenance organisations (HMOs), has reaffirmed its commitment to efficient and timely service delivery, aligning itself fully with the operational benchmarks set by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Speaking at the company’s 14th Annual General Meeting in Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lekan Ewenla, emphasized the organisation’s proactive response to regulatory standards, particularly the NHIA’s directive mandating that patients under health insurance schemes must not wait longer than one hour to receive medical attention at their designated hospitals.
“We understand that prolonged waiting times diminish the quality of healthcare. In line with NHIA’s new directive, we’ve ensured our clients are seen promptly—our current average waiting time stands at just 10 minutes,” Ewenla said.
To achieve this benchmark, Ultimate HMO deployed advanced health management technology and implemented a hospital pre-booking system. Patients are now able to notify the HMO of their hospital visits in advance, with follow-up reminder calls made to healthcare providers to ensure readiness.
“Healthcare is too important to be approached casually,” he added. “We aim to reduce waiting time to five minutes by continuously improving our systems.”
Ewenla likened NHIA’s regulatory role in healthcare to that of the Central Bank of Nigeria in banking and PENCOM in the pensions industry, stressing the need for strict monitoring, enforcement of standards, and the protection of patient rights.
Supporting the Diaspora
In a strategic expansion move, Ultimate HMO has launched a specialized health insurance initiative targeted at Nigerians living abroad who wish to support their relatives’ healthcare needs back home.
“Many Nigerians in the diaspora send money to family members for healthcare, but without structured follow-up, the impact is often lost,” said Ewenla. “Our new offering allows diaspora Nigerians to pay a fixed premium and enroll their loved ones in an organised health insurance plan.”
The pilot scheme has already been introduced in the United States, with Ewenla meeting with officials at the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia. Outreach efforts have also extended to Nigerian-run churches, mosques, and retail outlets.
“We’re seeing increased interest from abroad, and we are working to secure further regulatory backing to scale this programme,” he said.
Changing Mindsets
Ewenla also pointed out the importance of public orientation and mindset change, referencing widespread disregard for systems and regulations in Nigeria.
“How Nigerians treat traffic laws mirrors how they approach healthcare systems. There’s a need for national reorientation, and we’re collaborating with the government and regulators to reshape this culture,” he noted.
Focus on Innovation and Patient Welfare
Also speaking at the AGM, the Board Chairman, Mrs. Angela Ajala, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to patient satisfaction and warned against the growing issue of delayed claims settlements within the industry.
“Claims settlement is at the heart of healthcare delivery. At Ultimate HMO, we treat it with the urgency it deserves,” Ajala said.
She further stressed the need for HMOs and healthcare providers to embrace innovation and stay ahead of evolving patient needs, including increasing demands for telemedicine, mental health services, and care for children with special needs.
“We must be future-oriented. The healthcare space is evolving rapidly, and only those who adapt will remain impactful,” she added.
Ultimate HMO’s forward-thinking approach and robust technological integration place it among the HMOs setting the pace for best practices in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
