- Average growth rate achieved following successful completion of five years of health insurance business in UAE
The National Health Insurance Company- Daman, today announced it has maintained a 20 per cent membership average growth rate over a five-year period since it began health insurances operations in July 2006. The company’s current membership figures stand at 2.1 million.
Over the past five years, Daman was a key driver in developing a health insurance industry with a professional infrastructure in Abu Dhabi when it was formed following the government’s expatriates mandatory health insurance law in 2006. Daman, in collaboration with local authorities, built an exclusive insurance system infrastructure of international calibre within Abu Dhabi’s private and public healthcare providers, which it has voluntarily opened for all licensed insurers to use for their members.
Daman’s Chairman, Mr. Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi said: “Daman has come a long way since it started back in 2006. We firmly believe that a superb customer experience, dedication towards developing the local healthcare industry and the commitment we have towards the community have contributed immensely to our success. What we have established over a short period is truly remarkable and I would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude towards the Abu Dhabi government leadership for their continuous support and the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi for ensuring we work in a liberal and fair market and finally, our team at Daman.”
Attention to customer services is evident in Daman’s growth strategy. The company has quickly grown its operation from one customer service point at its head office in 2006 to 21 branches and service points across the country in addition to launching a 24-hours toll-free hotline. It currently also offers its customers access to 450,000 healthcare providers worldwide. The company has already put forth plans to further expand its network of customer service outlets and healthcare providers.
Commenting on the company’s continuous success, Daman Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michael Bitzer said: “Daman has pulled out all the stops to deliver a dependable and reliable service to our customers and local communities. In addition to our core products, we created a dedicated Health Support Department to provide emotional and educational support for customers with chronic illnesses through specialized programmes in addition to offering ongoing countrywide educational and health awareness campaigns. ”
Daman’s efforts to be a responsible corporate citizen have manifested themselves in many ways over the years. From the onset, the company has embraced Emiratization to foster a qualified national workforce in the insurance industry and has also undertaken different initiatives to improve public awareness of key health issues in the UAE, especially those relating to diabetes. The company has been recognized by its members for offering dedicated health coaches to help those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, to better deal with their illness through ongoing advice and emotional support as part of its pioneering Disease Management Program.
“Moving forward, we are looking to expand our network in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE and continue adding more innovative services and products to the market. Daman’s growth has just started and I look forward to sharing our plans in the near future.” Dr. Bitzer concluded.
Daman’s achievements have been recognized in many local and international events through multiple awards. It has received the “Health Insurer of the year” in 2011 at the MENA Insurance Awards; and won the “Corporate Social Responsibility” Award for three consecutive years between2008 and 2010 and the “Best Medical Insurer” for 2007 and 2009 at the prestigious Annual Middle East Insurance Conference. The company has also been highly commended for its support to Emiratization efforts by private and government entities including the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council and Higher Colleges of Technology.
