TheHealthReport25: Good Health is Good Business: Why employers must build a healthcare strategy now

By Isidore Kpotufe, CEO, Rivia

Ghana and much of Africa are at a tipping point. The informal sector dominates employment. Out-of-pocket spending makes up over half of healthcare costs. Most businesses lack a strategy to support employee health. This leads to lower productivity, high absenteeism, and missed economic potential.

At Rivia, we focus on health, technology, and community. Our 2024 Healthcare Access & Attitudes Survey found that over 70% prefer employers offering healthcare support. Yet, fewer than 15% actually receive it.

The message is clear: healthcare is a competitive advantage. Employers who prioritize this will succeed.

The Hidden Cost of Poor Health in the Workplace

Many companies overlook health-related costs until they become unmanageable. Missed deadlines and presenteeism disrupt operations significantly. Medical emergencies also create unexpected challenges for businesses.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), workplace absenteeism in Africa results in billions lost annually. When employees lack timely care for chronic conditions or maternal issues, businesses suffer indirectly.

Why Businesses Must Build a Healthcare Strategy

Healthcare goes beyond paying hospital bills or providing insurance. It requires a proactive strategy that protects both employees and profits.

Access to primary care is essential. Most health issues can be resolved early if people seek help promptly. Providing basic outpatient care can prevent 80% of workplace health disruptions.

Preventive services and education are crucial too. Health screenings and monitoring save lives and reduce long-term costs.

Businesses can partner with emerging healthcare networks like Rivia for scalable solutions. These networks offer virtual and in-person care along with affordable plans.

What’s In It for the Business?

CEOs need more than just feel-good CSR pitches; they want ROI.

Healthy employees lead to lower absenteeism and better performance.

Higher retention occurs when employees feel supported by their employers.

Offering healthcare benefits enhances employer branding in today’s labor market.

Preventing one emergency admission can save more than a year’s worth of outpatient care costs.

For example, a Ghanaian logistics company saw a 32% drop in absenteeism after implementing RiviaCare for its drivers. Another SME reduced out-of-pocket claims by 40% through virtual consultations and pharmacy benefits.

Universal Health Coverage Needs Employers

Achieving universal health coverage requires collaboration across sectors—employers, churches, cooperatives, schools, and insurers must all contribute.

Employers are uniquely positioned to lead this effort as trusted entities with existing payroll systems that can scale effectively.

It’s time for all employers—whether small or large—to develop their healthcare strategies.

What Rivia Offers

Rivia has created a membership-based healthcare system for businesses to enroll their employees easily. This system provides access to affordable digital-first care through our network of clinics, pharmacies, and partner facilities.

Our platform supports virtual consultations, diagnostics, and chronic disease management with ease and transparency.

We’re gaining momentum and ready to assist more employers who want to prioritize their teams' well-being while making smart business decisions.

Good health is good business; the future belongs to those who act accordingly.

About Rivia

Rivia aims to build Africa's most trusted healthcare network—a system integrating smart clinics, pharmacies, labs, virtual care—all powered by our proprietary healthtech platform. Through RiviaCare, organizations can provide seamless access to quality care within our growing network.

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Phone: +233 24 725 7966 | +233 53 813 2557
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