Access to affordable and quality healthcare is critical to improving workforce productivity and driving sustainable economic growth, the Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, has said.

Adeniyi said a healthier population would translate into stronger families, more productive workplaces and more resilient communities, making healthcare investment an important component of Nigeria’s development efforts.

He spoke at the launch of AXA Mansard’s Culture of Care campaign, where he stressed that healthcare should be viewed not only as a social necessity but also as an economic investment capable of improving the productive capacity of the country.

According to him, poor access to healthcare can have far-reaching consequences, particularly for households that struggle to meet medical expenses or delay treatment because of cost.

“Care is often viewed through a social lens, but it also has significant economic implications. When people have access to healthcare, they are more likely to remain healthy, productive, and able to contribute meaningfully to their families, workplaces, and communities,” he said.

Adeniyi noted that healthcare costs could place significant financial pressure on families, while untreated illnesses could lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, loss of income and additional burdens on employers and communities.

He therefore called for greater attention to healthcare access as part of efforts to improve the wellbeing and economic resilience of Nigerians.

“Improving access to healthcare is one of the most effective ways to improve quality of life and support economic development. A healthy population is a productive population. When people can access care early and affordably, they are better able to work, care for loved ones, pursue opportunities, and contribute to economic growth,” he said.

He said the Culture of Care campaign was also aimed at highlighting the contribution of caregivers, whose responsibilities often extend from caring for children and ageing relatives to supporting sick family members.

According to him, caregivers require support systems that would enable them to meet their responsibilities without bearing excessive financial and emotional pressures.

“Care cannot thrive without support systems. One of the most practical ways society can support caregivers is by ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible, affordable, and available when it is needed,” Adeniyi said.

He said the private sector could complement government efforts to expand healthcare coverage and advance Universal Health Coverage through innovation, technology, health insurance and preventive healthcare initiatives.

Adeniyi added that digital healthcare solutions could also help reduce some of the barriers that prevent people from accessing medical services promptly.

He, however, said the campaign went beyond healthcare services, describing it as an effort to promote a broader understanding of care and its role in individual and national development.

“This campaign is a reminder that care should remain at the centre of how we think about progress. When societies invest in the health and wellbeing of their people, they create the conditions for stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and sustainable prosperity,” he said.

Adeniyi maintained that the benefits of accessible healthcare extended beyond individual patients, arguing that healthier citizens were better equipped to work, support their families, pursue economic opportunities and contribute to their communities.

“Care is one of society’s greatest assets. And when care is supported by accessible healthcare, its impact extends far beyond health outcomes. It becomes a catalyst for human progress,” he said.