Ultimate Health HMO Launches Affordable GIFSHIP Package, Aims to Put Quality Care Within Reach of All Nigerians

Mary Nnah

In a bold move to accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards universal health coverage, Ultimate Health HMO has launched the Group, Individual, and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP), a comprehensive health insurance package designed to make quality healthcare affordable, accessible, and equitable for all Nigerians.

For decades, Nigeria’s healthcare system has been plagued by inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to quality care.

The consequences have been devastating, with millions of Nigerians forced to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services, often leading to financial ruin. But with GIFSHIP, Ultimate Health HMO is leading the charge to change this narrative. 

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos recently, the Managing Director/CEO of Ultimate Health HMO, Otunba Lekan Ewenla, emphasised the importance of shifting from assumptions to action, citing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022, which makes health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians.

“We need to shift from merely treating illness to creating health. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” Ewenla declared. “The GIFSHIP package is a strategic step to strongly focus on the objectives of making healthcare affordable, accessible, and equitable”.

Priced at ₦38,718 per person per annum, GIFSHIP offers a robust benefits package, including coverage for primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services. Ewenla highlighted that the package is designed to cater to individuals, families, groups, and corporate organizations, with a focus on the mass market.

“This is a game-changer for Nigeria’s healthcare sector,” Ewenla said. “The premium is not negotiable, the quality of care is guaranteed, and the premium is affordable. We are committed to delivering quality healthcare services to Nigerians, and GIFSHIP is a significant step in that direction.”

The launch of GIFSHIP is expected to address Nigeria’s poor health indices, with Ultimate Health HMO targeting a significant increase in enrollment numbers.

The package is regulated by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and is designed to address past challenges, including arbitrary premium reductions and varying benefit packages. 

Ewenla explained the NHIA Act 2022 has empowered the regulatory authority to approve and code private health insurance products, ensuring that HMOs deliver quality healthcare services to Nigerians.

“The Authority shall ensure that health insurance is mandatory to every Nigerian and final residents. The NHIA shall enforce the basic minimum package of health services for all Nigerians across all health insurance schemes operating within the country, including federal, states, and the federal capital territory – FCT, as well as private health insurance schemes”, he noted.

The launch of GIFSHIP is a significant development in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s health indices.

With Ultimate Health HMO leading the way, other stakeholders are expected to follow suit, making quality healthcare a reality for all Nigerians. 

As Nigeria embarks on this journey towards universal health coverage, Ewenla called on Nigerians to join the movement, saying, “We are changing the narration of our poor health indices, and we invite everyone to join us on this journey.”