A statement from the bank's headquarters in Lagos said the initiative 'is part of the bank's social intervention plans aimed at cushioning the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep people safe at this critical period.'

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu, Divisional Head, Health and Education Sectors, Sterling Bank PLC, said the bank has invested in five sectors namely health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and transportation.

He noted that the bank's intervention is aimed at helping Nigerians to maintain social distance, noting that the provision allows remote access to healthcare diagnosis, consultation, and subsequently advice and recommendations from best medical practitioners in the country.

He said the initiative provides 'a huge opportunity for Nigerians to have access to quality healthcare. The platform is a reflection of the bank's commitment to an improved and digitised health sector in the country.'

He added: 'Our customers automatically qualify for this free medicare, but because the Sterling has a 'heart,' those who do not bank with us and may be at risk of contacting the contagion have been provided a cover under this initiative.'

He further stated that the service will connect beneficiaries to medical doctors via online chat, audio and video calls across the 36 states of the federation, 24 hours a day, urging people to accessed it via its website.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan