A leading Nigerian Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), SUNU Health, has called for the adoption of technology-driven healthcare practices to enhance efficiency and access to quality medical services across the country.
The call was made in Lagos on Thursday during the organisation’s third-quarter providers’ forum, themed “Redefining Healthcare Delivery: Harnessing Technology in Healthcare Practice.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Usifo Aikpokpo of SUNU Health’s Medical Department said the forum aimed to encourage the use of technology among HMOs, healthcare providers, and enrollees to eliminate bottlenecks hindering access to care.
“Redefining healthcare delivery through technology will promote effective care, strengthen confidentiality, reduce wastage, and improve resource and time management,” Aikpokpo said.
He added that prioritising value-based care would encourage preventive medicine, reduce unnecessary procedures and hospitalisations, and help balance costs with quality service delivery.
Aikpokpo, however, identified several challenges affecting the adoption of technology in healthcare, including data privacy and security concerns, interoperability issues, high implementation costs, and resistance to change.
“We are currently conducting pilot programmes to identify challenges, develop scaling frameworks, and expand technology use. The lessons from these pilots are helping us create a roadmap for future implementation,” he said.
Earlier in his address, Dr. Patrick Korie, Managing Director of SUNU Health, emphasised the critical role of technology in the efficient delivery of modern healthcare.
Korie, who was represented by Dr. Faith Nwachi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SUNU Health, acknowledged the cooperation of stakeholders in the organisation’s efforts to drive innovation and service improvement.
“The importance of technology in modern healthcare delivery cannot be overemphasised. We could not have achieved this level of success without the support of our key partners,” he said.
“SUNU Health has invested in a new and improved 24-hour Contact Centre to enhance communication with stakeholders, as well as in robust operational software for seamless claims management.”
Korie assured stakeholders that the company would continue to prioritise innovation and collaboration to ensure improved service delivery.
“SUNU Health is a listening organisation, and we will not take for granted the insights and feedback shared during this forum,” he added.
Participants at the forum included representatives of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), healthcare providers, and hospital administrators.
