Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has partnered with AMREF Flying Doctors, to offer emergency medical evacuation service to Bank’s clients at preferential rate using a customized client system.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Kairiuki Ngari said the partnership with AMREF Flying Doctors was very timely during this COVID-19 pandemic and is one of the Bank’s many initiatives to aid the Bank’s clients and the general populace wade through the COVID-19 storm.
“The period before getting medical attention in an emergency is crucial, and more so during a pandemic like this one. As a bank, we wouldn’t like to see our clients exposed beyond what they can be able to manage. AMREF Flying Doctors is a reliable emergency medical evacuation company for many years and we have chosen them as a partner to fulfill that need for our clients,” Mr. Ngari said.
Among the benefits the partnership will afford the Bank’s clients is a negotiated pricing on the AMREF Flying Doctors flagship subscription product – Maisha Air Ambulance Plan which will cost between KShs 2, 000 and KShs 24, 000 per annum based on the number of countries in the cover.
“Under this partnership, our customers who opt for AMREF Flying Doctors Maisha cover packages will receive up to 20% discount for their annual subscription. For instance, for a KSh2, 500 package our customers who chose to buy the package will pay KSh2, 000 for the year,” said Mr. Ngari.
Other benefits include access to the 24-hour medical helpline from anywhere within the region for medical advice, unlimited evacuation flights per year for medical emergencies, unlimited ground ambulance transfers within Kenya, wide coverage of medical evacuation in countries such as Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan & Ethiopia, and direct contact with AMREF Flying Doctors the medical professionals without having to go through a third party.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Group Chief Executive for AMREF Health Africa, noted the organization has the capacity to provide emergency medical evacuation services not only from Kenya but across Africa.
In addition, AMREF Flying Doctors operates several Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ground Ambulances and a 24/7 Operations & Emergency Control Centre (OECC). The OECC provides state-of-the-art ICT systems and communication equipment for our medical and aviation professionals, who work hand in hand 24/7 to ensure aviation safety, quality, fast response, and the finest of medical care to our patients.
“This is a noble initiative by Standard Chartered Bank and we welcome the bank’s clientele to subscribe to our evacuation services, which will come in handy more so during these trying moments,” Dr. Githinji said.
Besides the access to emergency medical rescue services other supports the bank has extended to its clients during the COVID-19 pandemic include restructuring of loans by extending repayment periods, an extension of credit at preferential rates, and removing transaction fees on selected services.
