Saglan Wajee Hospital
For millions of families in rural Ethiopia, access to quality healthcare remains a luxury. High out-of-pocket expenses, limited financial protection, and the absence of insurance options have left communities in Holeta Town, Oromia, and beyond, vulnerable to health and economic shocks.
Despite growing demand, Ethiopia’s insurance sector had been stagnant for years—no new health insurance license had been issued in 14 years following the collapse of a previous attempt. Families were left with two difficult choices: avoid care altogether or face crippling medical costs.
BimaLab Accelerator
For millions of families in rural Ethiopia, access to quality healthcare remains a luxury. High out-of-pocket expenses, limited financial protection, and the absence of insurance options have left communities in Holeta Town, Oromia, and beyond, vulnerable to health and economic shocks.
BimaLab Insurtech Accelerator
Saglan Wajee found a partner in the BimaLab Insurtech Accelerator, supported by FSD Africa. Through the program, the hospital gained:
• Venture-building expertise to refine its insurance model
• Exposure to regional leaders like Jubilee and AAR in Kenya
• Critical connections with the National Bank of Ethiopia, paving the way for long-overdue regulatory reform
As a result, Saglan Wajee received a historic license and launched Efoy 1.0—Ethiopia’s first micro-health insurance tailored for low- and middle-income families.
• Efoy 1.0: Affordable premiums and broad coverage attracted 1,200+ customers in the first year.
• Efoy 2.0: Expanded product lines now serve chronic patients, families, and individuals, offering specialized services and wider protection.
The Impact So Far
The story of Nurae Gutu Chala, a café owner and mother, reflects the difference Saglan Wajee is making. She insured her children for as little as 400 birr ($4) annually. Even when premiums rose to 960 birr ($9.50) per child, she renewed without hesitation—valuing the expanded benefits such as MRI scans and medication coverage.
• 1,200+ lives insured through Efoy 1.0
• 900 new clients already enrolled in Efoy 2.0
• Community trust deepened as families embrace health insurance as a path to resilience
The Vision Ahead
Dr. Raei’s dream is inspired by China’s healthcare model, where 95% of citizens are covered by insurance. Armed with BimaLab’s mentorship and partnerships, his ambition is bold:
• 130 health facilities integrated into Saglan Wajee’s insurance network
• A new branch in Addis Ababa, extending reach to the capital
• Positioning Saglan Wajee as a regional leader in health insurance, redefining access across East Africa
Why It Matters
Saglan Wajee isn’t just selling insurance—it’s building a movement for affordable healthcare in Ethiopia. By breaking a 14-year regulatory deadlock, it has opened the door for new models of protection, proving that with innovation, partnerships, and vision, access to healthcare can be transformed.
Dr. Yeraeifirae Sileshi (Dr. Raei), CEO of Saglan Wajee General Hospital, saw this crisis first-hand. For him, health insurance wasn’t just a business opportunity—it was a moral imperative to ensure that no one should be denied care because of financial barriers.
Quality healthcare should never depend on your bank balance.
Summary
