Popa: Africa’s primary healthcare market is fragmented

The CEO and Co-Founder of Ilara Health, Emilian Popa, recently spoke on CNBC Africa about the fragmented state of Africa's primary healthcare market. Popa highlighted the pressing need to address financing gaps in the continent's healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of enhancing National Health Insurance coverage to alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket payments. According to Popa, governments across Africa must intensify their efforts in expanding insurance coverage to ensure better access to healthcare services. He pointed out that while several countries are striving to implement national health insurance schemes, challenges persist, particularly concerning primary care coverage. Popa stressed the significance of having a viable payer system in place to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for citizens. He mentioned that Ilara Health recently secured a $4.2 million pre-Series A round, signaling positive traction in their expansion plans. The funding will enable the company to increase the number of clinics, enhance their technology platform, and introduce a micro-insurance model tailored for low-income employees of large companies. Popa disclosed that Ilara Health is focused on consolidating its presence in Kenya before exploring opportunities in other African markets. The company aims to replicate its successful healthcare model in similar structural environments. While discussing regulatory hurdles, Popa acknowledged the efforts of various African governments in establishing solid regulatory frameworks for healthcare products. He specifically commended Kenya's regulatory system for medical devices and pharmaceuticals. However, he underscored the critical need for a comprehensive payer system to cover healthcare expenses effectively. Popa asserted that the absence of a robust payer mechanism remains a major obstacle in achieving widespread healthcare coverage in African markets. He urged policymakers to prioritize the enhancement of national health insurance schemes to address the prevailing out-of-pocket payment trend. Popa's insights shed light on the complex dynamics of Africa's healthcare landscape and underscore the vital role of sustainable financing and regulatory frameworks in driving inclusive healthcare access and quality.