Adeoye Temitope Expands App to Include HMO Access, SOS Chat, others

Adeoye Temitope, founder of the Kaci Help App (Know, Act, Care, Inform), has announced the release of Kaci Help v2.1, introducing new features including Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) access, SOS chat and the Joint Emergency Response and Citizen Engagement (JERCE) framework. Temitope said the latest update is designed to address gaps in emergency response and […]

Adeoye Temitope, founder of the Kaci Help App (Know, Act, Care, Inform), has announced the release of Kaci Help v2.1, introducing new features including Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) access, SOS chat and the Joint Emergency Response and Citizen Engagement (JERCE) framework.

Temitope said the latest update is designed to address gaps in emergency response and healthcare access, particularly for Nigerians without health insurance coverage.

Citing industry estimates, he noted that over 90 per cent of Nigerians face medical emergencies without health coverage and often pay significantly higher out-of-pocket costs. According to him, the new version of the app seeks to improve access to affordable and timely healthcare services.

Temitope traced the platform’s development from Zuri, a WhatsApp chatbot launched in 2020, to the Kaci Help platform in 2022 and its first mobile release in 2023. He explained that Kaci was conceived as a citizen engagement and safety support tool, while JERCE was proposed as a structured model to strengthen collaboration between citizens and public institutions.

He disclosed that although some public institutions acknowledged the platform’s potential and identified operational gaps, no formal follow-up or adoption has been communicated.

“That changed everything,” Temitope said. “We realized Kaci could not rely solely on authorities, which is why guardians, family and friends were prioritised in the SOS Emergency and TravelSafe features.”

He added that the shift influenced the platform’s emphasis on data security and citizen safety, positioning it beyond direct emergency response.

The updated version introduces HMO access through its Consultation feature. Paid subscribers can select a preferred HMO and location, receive a designated Primary Care Provider, engage in live chat and, where necessary, be referred to hospitals.

Temitope said user anonymity remains central to the platform. Features such as iReport, Consultation and Beep posts are designed to protect users’ identities by default, with encryption and access controls aimed at safeguarding personal data.

He explained that subscription services support the app’s operations, noting that notifications are triggered via SMS, WhatsApp and email for activities such as sign-ups, password resets and emergencies, and are sent to users and their designated guardians.

Other features include Live Chat for follow-ups, Beep for public or anonymous posts, as well as tools for sharing climate-related updates, interacting through likes and reports, and filtering content by hashtags and location. These complement existing features such as Emergency, TravelSafe, Ambulance, Suggestion, Feedback, InfoBank, Climate, Alerts and the Kaci Security Number (KSN).

Temitope said the app is available in 11 languages and complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). He added that the platform is powered by FCI with technical support from IDC Platforms.

“Kaci Help v2.1 is not just about emergencies. It is about health, consultation, accountability and creating a space where your voice matters,” he said.

The application is currently available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.