UHI Delegation Visits FETHI, Seeks Stronger Collaboration on Health Insurance Service Delivery

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), Prof. Kolawole Ogundipe, has reiterated the institution’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with health insurance organizations to improve healthcare access and service delivery.

Prof. Ogundipe gave the assurance recently, while receiving the management team of United Healthcare International (UHI) during a courtesy visit to the hospital management.

The CMD appreciated the representatives of UHI for their continued partnership with the institution, noting that the engagement provided an avenue for both parties to discuss operational realities, service challenges and areas requiring improvement within the healthcare insurance system.

He acknowledged concerns raised regarding authorization delays and response time, explaining that the growing demand for healthcare services across the system requires sustained collaboration, effective communication and mutual understanding between healthcare providers and health insurance organizations.

Prof. Ogundipe emphasized the need for practical solutions capable of improving efficiency and patient satisfaction, while encouraging stronger synergy between both institutions in areas of enrollee awareness, accessibility to healthcare services and institutional support. He expressed optimism that the existing relationship between FETHI and UHI would continue to grow for the benefit of patients and the healthcare system at large.

Earlier in his remarks, the Team Lead of the delegation, Dr. Adewumi Adekola, congratulated Prof. Ogundipe on his appointment as Chief Medical Director, describing the appointment as well deserved.

He stated that the purpose of the visit was to further strengthen collaboration between United Healthcare International and FETHI, while appreciating the hospital management for sustaining a productive working relationship with the organization over the years, particularly in advancing health insurance services and improving healthcare access for enrollees.

Also speaking, the Head of the Health Insurance Department, Dr. Taiwo Omolayo, acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the hospital and United Healthcare International, noting that the partnership had continued to grow over the years.

Dr. Omolayo highlighted the increasing enrollee population within the institution and stressed the need for stronger collaboration in areas such as claims reconciliation, enrollee registration drives, corporate health insurance expansion and corporate social responsibility initiatives. He noted that improved collaboration and timely operational support would further enhance efficiency, service delivery and patient satisfaction across the healthcare system.

In her contribution, the HMO Relations Officer, Mrs. Afolabi Adebola, appreciated the existing partnership between both institutions while drawing attention to some operational challenges affecting service delivery, particularly delays in authorization processes and response time for code requests.

She stressed the need for quicker communication and improved operational support to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for patients.

Responding on behalf of United Healthcare International, members of the delegation appreciated the feedback received from the institution and acknowledged ongoing efforts towards digitalization, faster authorization systems, improved claims processing and stronger operational efficiency aimed at enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Giving the vote of thanks, the Acting Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Adeyemo Olabisi, appreciated the delegation for the visit and the meaningful discussions held with the hospital management.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would further strengthen collaboration between both institutions and enhance healthcare service delivery.

The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of gifts and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.

Also present were the Director of Administration, Mrs. Foluso Adelegan; Head of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Yemi Olayisade (PhD); Chief of Staff to the CMD, Dr. Kamal Alabi; Head of Information and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Adeboyejo and staff of the Health Insurance Department.