BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—In a major move to eliminate hospital delays and streamline medical approvals, Nigeria’s leading Health Management Organisation, AXA Mansard Health, has launched a new WhatsApp chatbot named Karis. The digital solution is designed to reduce waiting times and ensure prompt access to care across the organisation’s network of over 2,000 partner health facilities nationwide.
By adding Karis to their WhatsApp contacts, more than 300,000 AXA Mansard Health enrollees can now instantly obtain treatment approvals, confirm authorizations, check their plan status, and view their specific benefits. Additionally, the bot allows users to purchase health plans and request immediate assistance during medical emergencies.
Tope Adeniyi, the CEO of AXA Mansard Health Limited, stated that the launch is a direct reflection of the organisation’s customer-first philosophy, noting that they stop at nothing to ensure healthcare access is simple, affordable, and convenient.
Adeniyi acknowledged that the traditional manual authorization process prior to receiving treatment has long been a significant pain point for patients, often discouraging people from visiting the hospital.
By shifting this process to a ubiquitous and familiar platform like WhatsApp, the company aims to eliminate those administrative hurdles entirely.
Through Karis, enrollees at the point of care can now experience faster service speed and enjoy greater autonomy.
Patients can interact with the bot to instantly check what their plans cover, or search for nearby hospitals and specialist healthcare providers, making the entire healthcare experience highly personalized.
According to the organisation, the introduction of Karis is part of a broader strategy to leverage digital innovation to enhance service delivery and improve overall customer experience. By streamlining support, the chatbot empowers enrollees to focus entirely on their well-being rather than administrative paperwork.
AXA Mansard Health views this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to leading digital healthcare solutions in Nigeria, making it easier for citizens to manage their health and access timely care with confidence.
