Avon Health Limited (Avon HMO), a health management organisation has raised expectations that its entry would help deepen the level of health insurance penetration in the country.

Abdulrehman Sambo, the Acting Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and one of the special guests, expressed this 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 insurance.

Abdulrehman said NHIS members are happy at the entry of a strong HMO like Avon, adding that they will ensure a very strong penetration of the health insurance market in Nigeria with Avon.

Simbo Ukiri, MD/CEO, Avon HMO, stated that her company was committed to pursuing the goals of Universal Health Coverage, noting that they 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, stressing that this is basically what the Universal health Coverage is all about.

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, adding that the health Organisation believes 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 wave of healthcare reforms sweeping across the country,” she added.

She acclaimed that Avon Healthcare which is a part of the Pan-African Investment Group, Heirs Holdings  with over 300 hospitals currently in its network, offers health insurance plans, health risk assessment, occupational health management, employee well-being and other services to individuals, families, groups, companies and the government.