Right to Left: Mr. Reginald Nweke, Head, Business Retention, SUNU Health Nigeria Ltd; Peju Talabi (thatpejubabe), On-Air-Personality, Super FM 92.7; and Mr. Samuel Olayemi, Brand & Corporate Communications Officer, SUNU Health Ltd, at Super FM 92.7 on Friday, April 19th, 2024, after debunking misconceptions about Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).
SUNU Health Nigeria, an esteemed Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with a legacy of over 26 years in delivering accessible healthcare solutions across Nigeria, was recently featured on Super FM 92.7 Lagos. During the broadcast, the organization aimed to debunk prevalent healthcare myths while showcasing the unmatched value it provides to its members.
In the early morning broadcast hosted by on-air-personality Peju Talabi (thatpejubabe) on Friday, April 19, 2024, SUNU Health Nigeria directed its attention towards individuals and families, addressing common misconceptions surrounding healthcare access and affordability in Nigeria.
Drawing upon its extensive expertise, robust customer service, and established partnerships within the healthcare industry, SUNU Health Nigeria, a member of the SUNU Group with a presence in seventeen (17) African countries, illuminated the significance of informed healthcare decision-making. Additionally, the organization dispelled myths that impede individuals from accessing essential healthcare services.
In his opening remarks during the 30-minute interview, Mr. Reginald Nweke, Head of Business Retention at SUNU Health, emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering Nigerians with important health nuggets. “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to engage with Super FM 92.7 and debunk common myths surrounding the health maintenance organization’s landscape. Importantly, we believe in empowering individuals with accurate information to make informed healthcare decisions. Our longstanding commitment to affordability, accessibility, and quality healthcare underscores our mission to create a healthier Nigeria for all.”
Myth 1: Substandard Care with HMOs
There is a common misconception that HMOs provide substandard care by favouring generic medications over brand names. However, it’s important to understand that generic drugs are equally effective as their brand counterparts and often come at a lower cost. It’s essential to remember that healthcare professionals prioritize patient well-being above all else, as reflected in their oath. Doctors are trained to prescribe in generic name while the Pharmacist can dispense the available brands of the drug. HMOs strive to manage costs effectively while ensuring that enrollees receive high-quality medical care. Enrollees are advised not to patronise any hospital that dispense substandard drugs. Emphatically, Doctors are under an oath not to do harm and should not dispense substandard drugs.
Myth 2: HMOs Deny Care to Save Money
The primary goal of HMOs is to effectively manage the care of their enrollees, not deny it. In reality, it’s in their best interest to ensure that members receive appropriate treatment to prevent complications. Denying care would ultimately result in dissatisfied customers and higher costs in the long term. HMOs practice on the principle of best and necessary medicine.
Myth 3: HMOs Only for the Wealthy
This is false. HMOs provide a range of health insurance plans to accommodate various budgets. Affordable coverage is accessible to everyone, irrespective of social class or reputation.
Myth 4: Only Employers Can Provide Health Insurance
This is a misconception. You shouldn’t restrict yourself to employer-sponsored plans. Individual and family plans are readily available, making HMO coverage accessible to everyone.
Myth 5: Young and Healthy don’t Need Health Insurance
It’s important to recognize that accidents and illnesses can occur unexpectedly, regardless of age or health status. HMO coverage serves as a safety net, ensuring individuals receive necessary care without facing financial strain. HMO provide all forms of access to medical care.
By debunking these misconceptions, HMOs provide a valuable solution for managing healthcare needs, enabling prospective enrollees to make informed decisions about their well-being. It also saves individuals and families from catastrophic expenditure because of ill health.
As a premier Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Nigeria, SUNU Health remains committed to fostering innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery. The company’s priority is to provide qualitative and prompt medical services at the most cost-effective price as humanity is the centre of our initiatives.
To learn more about SUNU Health Nigeria and explore diverse range of healthcare plans, visit her website at www.sunuhealthnigeria.com.