Who is Luqman Idris?
I consider myself an individual who is committed to personal development, and who has a deep passion for supporting people.I was born in Lagos, and completed secondary education in Ilorin. I moved to the United Kingdom for higher education where I obtained a first degree in Mathematics and Statistics, along with Master’s degrees in Applied Mathematics, Financial Management, and Public Policy. I also obtained a PhD in Mathematical Science, and a professional qualification in Quantitative Finance. My professional journey has taken me through various roles in both private and public sectors, both in the UK and in Nigeria. People say I am reliable, versatile, adaptable, and resourceful.
Have you always worked in medical establishments? And what does your role at MHF entail?
No, prior to my experience in healthcare, I’ve worked in different sectors. At MHF, I lead a team focused on ensuring the highest standards of patient care and operational efficiency. My role encompasses overseeing all aspects of daily operations, from planning to resource allocation, to regulatory compliance, and overseeing MHF risk analysis venturing into new countries and product launch. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I organised a system that streamlined the testing process for arrivals to the UK. I worked with the UK Health and Social Department to maintain MHF’s position as one of the Government approved covid testing companies.
How easy has it been to run an African owned medical establishment in the UK? Especially in central London which is not predominantly black.
Operating a medical facility in central London does present its own unique challenges. For instance, patients expect to meet a caucasian in charge, they are surprised that the person handling operational issues is black. Sometimes they assume you are a visiting patient. Being located in a highly affluent part of town surrounded by Belgravia, Eaton Square, and Pimlico, we are especially proud to deliver a first class service which the locals appreciate. We have staff who are Polish, Russian and French speaking. That helps with serving the local population. Nigerians and indeed Africans are especially proud to see black people at the helm delivering an exceptional service in that part of London.
Is MHF extending its services to other countries? If yes, which services and to which countries?
For now no, but we have plans to extend to the US and South Africa. We will keep you posted as it’s early days in those conversations.
If you are to single some out, which services or products in particular will you say MHF is renowned for?
Our medical concierge service – a highly bespoke service, targeted at high networth Africans. More recently our Bespoke Healthcare for International Students.
Why do you think Africans who can afford to, continue to travel abroad (and to the UK in particular) for their medical needs?
Health is wealth, so if you can afford it, you will seek the best for yourself. The UK has long been the favourite for Nigerians to seek healthcare. It is less than 6 hrs away, it has world-class medical facilities, and some of the best physicians in Europe can be found in the UK.
During the turbulent COVID-19 days, MHF distinguished itself by becoming a Government approved centre for testing. What do you think stood you out to receive the approval?
We were able to get Government approval quickly due to our sister company Medical Diagnosis joining force with us. We were able to demonstrate to the Government our significant testing capability and high level of competence, with Medical Diagnosis being a pathology laboratory too.
Are all MHF staff, both medical and non medical, Africans, or is there a good mix in ethnic backgrounds? I know you touched on this earlier.
We have a mix of staff, mostly Europeans. There are senior Africans who are behind the scenes. There are also a number of Asian and African doctors that are my colleagues.
To run what is undoubtedly a first rate medical establishment like MHF in the heart of London successfully, must require paying great attention to detail. Would I be right in making such a statement ?
Yes you would. Operating a private practice, especially in central London, requires huge financial commitment and at the same time great attention to details. The standard expected in central London clinics is often higher than everywhere else.
According to Nigeria’s current Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, about 16,000 doctors have left the country in the last five years. A significant portion went to the UK. How will you rate Nigerian doctors in the UK who were trained in Nigeria?
Hardworking, desperate to learn and to improve and also always appreciative.
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Luqman Idris is the Head of Operations at MHF Medical Concierge. Over the years, Luqman has worked with private and public organisation on various projects, and in different areas among which are operations, system design, policy evaluation, financing, and risk management. At MHF, Luqman leads a team focused on ensuring the highest standards of patient care and operational efficiency. His role encompasses overseeing all aspects of daily operations, from planning to resource allocation, to regulatory compliance, and overseeing MHF risk analysis venturing into new countries and product launch. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organised a system that streamlined the testing process for arrivals to the UK. He worked with the UK Health and Social Department to maintain MHF’s position as one of the Government approved covid testing companies. Luqman holds a PhD in Mathematical Science, MBA in Financial Management and MA (Distinction) in Public Policy.
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