A business born of compassion
Dr Ahmed Monir speaks to ITIJ about helping patients, new technology, and vital partnerships
You have been in the industry since 2004. Why do you think your business has been so successful?
When I founded LGA, it wasn’t merely a business venture; it was a mission born out of compassion and conviction. I envisioned a service that blended expertise with empathy.
As a doctor with a passion for travel, my journey began in Hurghada, Egypt. I witnessed firsthand the vulnerability people experience – not just physically but emotionally. I saw how
patients and their families, often in a foreign land, felt helpless when faced with health emergencies. This compelled me to create a sanctuary where no one would have to face such challenges alone.
I cherish the countless stories that have unfolded along this journey. One is of a Canadian patient who faced life-threatening
heart complications while visiting Egypt. Our On-The-Ground Team was there, not just to provide medical assistance but to wrap the patient and their family in reassurance.
Another poignant moment was when we successfully repatriated a heart organ back to Italy. This act wasn’t just a logistical triumph; it was a lifeline that would extend and enrich another life.
Equally powerful was our involvement in a tragic incident on the Suez-Cairo road. When disaster struck, we sprang into action, ensuring the safe return of 43 tourists from various nationalities. Our leadership – Dr Mohamed Monir and Dr Mohamed Abdo – exemplified the essence of compassionate care.
Also, I reflect with emotion when we supported the refugees from Sudan as they sought safety and a new beginning in Egypt. It was a heartfelt experience that reaffirmed our commitment to humanitarian missions. We recognised that our work goes beyond mere medical and travel assistance.
At LGA, we pour our hearts into every service we offer.
You have partnerships with international companies. Why are these relationships so vital?
I view each partnership as a living, breathing entity – one that requires nurturing and resilience. We’ve established dedicated
project managers and agents for each segment, ensuring that we specialise in delivering the highest level of service. Our
Quarterly Business Reviews with our clients are not just check-ins; they are moments of reflection, learning, and shared growth.
We provide our clients with full access to our database through an advanced portal, ensuring complete visibility into their case
status and financials. Our offerings include:
• Real-time case status updates
• Provider network selection and price comparisons
• Direct access to our database for cost containment facilitation
• Healthcare Provider Auto-Selection System (HPASS)
• Direct monitoring of savings amounts
• Access to CPT codes and invoice details
• Report extraction, including financial reports and case trends.
This level of transparency is a key reason we
maintain our clients' trust.
With a huge increase in digital nomads and expatriates, how is
the business adapting to the needs of this sector?
The rise of this sector presents both challenges and opportunities for us to redefine our service delivery. They seek flexibility, immediacy, and wider medical and travel access. We are enhancing our service models to provide seamless, borderless assistance.
Our investment in digital solutions is driven by our belief that every individual, regardless of their location, deserves peace of mind regarding their health and wellbeing. We offer a VIP card to these segments, granting them access to medical facilities across the Middle East and Africa based on their policies – a
promise of care that transcends borders.
What new technologies are LGA embracing in this new era
of digitisation?
I view technology as an enabler of human connection. This industry is unlike any other – where urgency and human care
must align with precision and expertise. Few IT companies truly understand this, so we took control and built our own: Bronto24
– a secure, tailored CRM that powers all our business lines. But it’s more than just tech; it is innovation fused with compassion and transparency. Even in the digital age, human warmth remains essential. Every click, update, and report embodies our commitment to ensuring our clients feel supported, seen,
and cared for at every step, fostering transparency and clarity in their journey with us.
Dr Ahmed Monir Founder, LGA Assistance Group
Ahmed is a trailblazing health and wellness expert with over two decades of experience. Through his relentless pursuit of excellence, LGA Assistance Group has evolved into a powerhouse conglomerate, offering world-class medical and travel services. Under his transformative leadership, the Group now spans multiple industries, including cutting-edge assistance services, digital solutions, and state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities
November 2024
Issue
This month we look at affinity partnerships and ask if online travel agencies are the perfect partners for insurers; we cover the trends around cruising in the Mediterranean; we delve into the specifics of the Austrian healthcare system; plus we examine international healthcare and technology, asking how far can technology go.
Editorial Team
The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.