This was the core question at Bastion Health’s recent Retail & SME Market Panel Discussion, part of our broader Stakeholder Forum initiative.

We brought together leading voices across healthcare, insurance, banking, and policy, including:
– Mr. Val Ojumah – Former CEO, FBN Insurance, Chairman, SanlamAllianz General Insurance & Member, Sanlam Pan Africa Council of Elders
– Dr. Austin Okogun – CEO, Lily Hospitals Group
– Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu – Executive Director, Sterling Bank & Non-Executive Director, Bastion Health

The session was moderated by our Managing Director, Naomi Aduku, and sparked honest, future-focused dialogue on:
– Why health insurance still struggles to connect with informal workers
– The need for user-centered product design and innovation
– How cooperatives, trade unions, and agent networks can deepen access
– Reframing insurance as a driver of workforce productivity, not just a cost
– The role of digital technology in bridging gaps in reach and affordability
Each speaker brought a unique lens, but the shared vision was clear, to drive real impact, we must rethink distribution, rebuild trust, and reimagine how we deliver healthcare protection especially for underserved communities.
At Bastion Health, this conversation is not a one-off, it reflects our deep commitment to expanding access and driving inclusive health coverage in Nigeria.
Thank you to our incredible panel for the insights and leadership.