BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

Leadway Health HMO Limited, a prominent player in the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) sector, has received widespread commendation from healthcare providers following its industry-defining Annual Providers’ Forum, themed “Enhancing Provider Collaboration for Sustainable Healthcare.”

 

The event convened diverse healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders, exploring innovative, future-forward and actionable strategies for improving healthcare accessibility and delivery in Nigeria.

 

In his opening remarks, Dr. Tokunbo Alli, CEO of Leadway Health HMO, highlighted the importance of sustainable partnerships in transforming healthcare. “We are dedicated to increasing access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he stated. “With over 700 corporate organisations under our care, our strength lies in our dogged commitment to working hand in hand with our partners. Together, we can create diverse and dynamic operational strategies to ensure our services reach as many people as possible.” His remarks set the tone for the forum, focusing on collaboration as a catalyst for superior healthcare delivery.

During the forum, healthcare providers appreciated Leadway Health HMO’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and transparency while ensuring seamless healthcare delivery. They praised the leading HMO’s proactive initiatives, which significantly enhanced operational efficiencies and access to quality care.

 

The forum’s panel featured renowned experts, including the keynote speaker, Mr. Kola Oni; Chief Medical Officer and General/Laparoscopic Surgeon, Dr Michael Talabi; Chief Medical Officer, Deloitte and Touche Nigeria, Dr Mobolaji Obadeyi; Founder and CEO, Healthfusion, Dr Olatokunbo Otitoju; Dental and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr Alawode Akeem; Chief Medical Director and Paediatrician, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh; and Chief Executive Officer, Donolush Healthcare Solutions, Dr Olujobi Babatunde Ayo. Discussions centred on bridging the gap between HMOs and providers, leveraging technology for seamless communication, and enhancing enrolee satisfaction.

 

Dr Mobolaji Obadeyi commended Leadway Health for fostering critical conversations: “As costs continue to rise, it is vital that we engage in open dialogues about these challenges. We thank Dr. Alli and Leadway for leading the way in creating this platform for meaningful discussions.”

 

The issue of transparency emerged as a pivotal topic, with providers advocating for clearer communication regarding HMO premiums and coverage. Dr Alawole Akeem remarked, “Transparency means ensuring enrollees are fully aware of their coverage and costs. Providing clear documentation on expectations for each healthcare plan fosters trust. Leadway Health HMO has set a benchmark in the HMO industry by prioritising transparency and efficiency in claims settlement, allowing us to focus more on patient care.”

 

The providers also lauded Leadway Health HMO’s innovative, technology-driven claims processing system, which significantly improved turnaround times and reduced administrative bottlenecks. Addressing technological gaps, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh stressed the importance of adopting digital tools: “Streamlining access to patient data through electronic medical records is essential for effective healthcare delivery. Leadway Health is paving the way, and providers must follow suit to bridge the technology gap.”

 

Dr Olujobi Babatunde Ayo highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration to improve paediatric care. “The premiums paid by enrollees often fall short of covering the comprehensive care promised. If all HMOs work more closely together, we can better understand and address the true costs of delivering quality healthcare to families,” he noted.

 

The forum concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among providers and Leadway Health HMO, as both parties reaffirmed their commitment to prioritising quality yet affordable and accessible healthcare delivery, emphasising preventive care. “The challenges we face require innovative and decisive action. By creating a platform like this, Leadway Health aims to foster trust and accountability. While we continue to refine our services, our goal remains clear—timely payouts ensuring that no provider is left unsupported,” said Dr. Tokunbo Alli.

 

Leadway Health HMO’s dedication to enhancing provider collaboration and sustainable healthcare solutions was evident throughout the forum. By spearheading initiatives such as this, Leadway Health HMO continues to solidify its leadership position in the healthcare sector, fostering meaningful change for providers and improving patient outcomes.