BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR —In a move to take the frustration out of hospital visits, AXA Mansard Plc has introduced Karis—a WhatsApp-based platform designed to drastically reduce wait times and simplify health insurance for everyday Nigerians.

The platform allows enrollees to bypass long phone holds, check their benefits, and secure instant care approvals through an app millions already use every day

Speaking at the inauguration of the new executives of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors(NAIPE) in Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, AXA Mansard insurance Plc, Mr Olusesan Ogunyooye said, Karis was developed to address the frustrations often experienced by customers in accessing healthcare services.

According to him, the platform seeks to eliminate long waiting times for treatment authorisation, uncertainty about health plan benefits and dependence on customer care or employers for information.

Ogunyooye added that, the solution allows enrollees to access healthcare services directly through WhatsApp without downloading a separate application.

He explained that, users simply send a message to the dedicated WhatsApp number, after which the chatbot provides a welcome message, consent notification, privacy policy and a menu of available services.

According to him, the platform is linked to the enrollee’s Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) identification number and registered phone number, enabling customers to verify their identity and access services seamlessly.

He noted that, enrollees could use the platform to obtain treatment authorisation, verify healthcare benefits, locate accredited healthcare providers and access other insurance-related information in real time.

“The goal is to remove unnecessary delays that often prevent customers from receiving timely medical attention.

“By leveraging a platform that millions of Nigerians already use daily, we are making health insurance services more accessible, convenient and efficient,” Ogunyooye said.

He pointed out thatl, the innovation would also benefit healthcare providers by reducing administrative bottlenecks, accelerating treatment approvals and improving patient flow at hospitals.

According to him, the initiative aligns with AXA Mansard’s commitment to deploying technology to enhance customer experience and improve access to quality healthcare services.

Ogunyooye said the platform reflected the company’s customer-centric approach and its resolve to ensure that healthcare delivery was seamless and responsive to the needs of enrollees.

He expressed confidence that Karis would strengthen confidence in health insurance by making it easier for customers to access care whenever the need arises.

Applauding AXA Mansard Insurance Plc for sponsoring the Inauguration ceremony, the new chairperson of NAIPE, Mrs. Ebere Nwoji urged the underwriting firm to continue to prioritise claims payments, just as it has always do in a move to deepen insurance penetration in the grassroots.

“AXA Mansard is known for quality, innovation in service delivery, claims payments and prudent management. We trust that the company will continue to grow and even becomes bigger post -recapitalisation exercise. We believe in the company and we promise to sustain this partnership to increase insurance awareness, education and sensitisation across the country, ” she pointed out.

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The award underscores the company’s consistent commitment to providing quality healthcare through innovative health insurance solutions, customer-focused services and sustained investments in healthcare delivery.

Speaking on the achievement, the Managing Director of Leadway Health, Dr. Tokunbo Alli, described the recognition as a reflection of the organisation’s dedication to excellence, innovation and delivering value to its members.

He attributed the milestone to the trust of customers, the support of healthcare providers and the commitment of employees, adding that the award would inspire the company to continue improving healthcare access across Nigeria.

Leadway Health said it has continued to strengthen its operations through investments in digital health solutions, including telemedicine services and technology-driven innovations that enhance customer experience.

The company noted that the latest recognition comes as healthcare financing assumes greater importance in improving health outcomes and expanding access to quality medical care.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working with healthcare providers, employers and policymakers to make affordable healthcare more accessible to Nigerians.

Leadway Health said it will continue developing innovative health insurance solutions that improve healthcare delivery while supporting the long-term growth of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nelson Akerele, disclosed this recently in Lagos that the company’s paid-up share capital has risen to over N18.7 billion,  surpassing the minimum capital requirement.

According to him, the company’s parent group in Ghana bridged the capital gap, while PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been appointed to carry out capital verification.

Akerele said the insurer intends to leverage its strengthened capital position to expand market opportunities, increase capacity and deepen customer partnerships as the industry moves into the post-recapitalisation era.

On Post-Recapitalisation Growth, he said the company is positioning itself for growth through digital innovation after successfully meeting recapitalisation requirements.

He noted that  the company has operated as a digital-first insurer since its inception five years ago and plans to deepen technology adoption across its operations.

He noted that the insurer is partnering with insurtech firms and other technology-driven organisations to expand distribution channels and improve customer experience.

Akerele said the company’s digital strategy aligns with the regulator’s push for greater digitalisation in the insurance sector and will provide a competitive advantage in the evolving market.

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