AXA Mansard Plc says it is tackling delays in access to healthcare services through digital innovation with the introduction of Karis, a WhatsApp-based platform designed for quick medical consultation of enrollees by HMOs in its database.
Speaking at the Investiture 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 delays in treatment authorisation, uncertainty about health plan benefits and dependence on customer care or employers for information; he 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.
“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.
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.
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.
Featured Picture: L-R: The Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission(NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, ably represented by the Head, Lagos Office, NAICOM, Dr. Julius Odidi; the Chairperson, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, represented by the Director General/CEO, NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale and the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mr Olusesan Ogunyooye at the Inauguration of the new Executives of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE), in Victoria Island (VI) Lagos on Thursday.
