The Health Services Provider Manager of Apex Health Insurance has disclosed that the company will be rolling out products to cater for the health insurance needs of the informal sector.
Francis Arkorful stated that the company is awaiting clearance from the regulator to roll out a product that will target that segment of the market.
Mr Arkorful was speaking to JoyBusiness on the sidelines of the maiden JoyBusiness Health and Wellness Trade Show held at the Accra Digital Centre.
“We have informal products that are going through certification and as soon as we get clearance from the regulator, the public will hear from us,” he said.
He said the company will adopt a hands-on approach by engaging various sections of the market such as commercial transportation stations, churches and spare parts dealers to ramp up the provision of insurance to the informal sector.
Technology
With regards to technology, he stated the company is employing technology to make its operations more efficient.
“Currently we have a system running linked with about 90% of the facilities we are working with,” he stated.
He stated that operations of health insurance companies such as online claims payments from customers amongst others have been enhanced by technology but more can be done to improve on it.
Health Insurance Education
He described the awareness on health insurance as low. He also added that the understanding of health insurance was also a contributory factor to low patronage of the health insurance market. Cultural issues, as well as financial constraints, also play a role.
He advised a shift from a curative mindset of the healthcare system to the preventive which he describes will be a better approach.
National Health Insurance Scheme
He described the scheme as one of the best interventions the government has made despite its funding challenges. He suggested a more holistic approach to the sustainable management of the scheme.
Mr Arkoful believes the focus should not only be aligned with an increase in funding for the scheme but also its management and administration.
The event which was the maiden edition brought together several stakeholders in the health industry. From health insurers, the event saw a variety of exhibitors showcasing various products and services.
The theme for the trade show was ‘leveraging research and technology for sustainable access and affordability ‘resonated appropriately with Apex's drive towards a more technologically efficient drive towards better service delivery.
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