MADURAI, India — P.G. Asanka Gayan, Senior Manager of Product Development at SANASA Life Insurance Co. PLC (SLIC), through the UNDP ICMIF Insurance Innovation Challenge (IIC) completed the DHAN Foundation's International Course on Advanced Reflective Education and Training (ART) on Mutual Insurance.  His participation in the ART course aligns with Sanasa Life’s mission to scale up inclusive insurance, particularly "Labandi Ran Wasi (LRS)," for women-led MSMEs, which is being supported by the IIC. These enterprises, often in rural areas, face low insurance penetration due to limited awareness and access. 

Through the ART course, Asanka gained deep insights into mutual insurance principles and practical strategies for engaging with underserved communities. The course provided valuable lessons on how to design affordable, customizable, and appropriate insurance products that meet the needs of rural communities. A key takeaway was the importance of mutuality in developing sustainable insurance models that address both life and health risks faced by these communities. 

Asanka mentioned that DHAN Foundation ART Course provided valuable insights into the benefits of establishing a "Risk Resilience Center," an innovative and holistic approach to managing policyholder risks while ensuring long-term sustainability for both insurers and the insured. In addition, a field visit to community-led initiatives, including the Palamedu Vattara Mutuals Federation Office and the SUHAM Hospital, gave Asanka and fellow participants the opportunity to observe mutual insurance practices from DHAN’s network in action.  

Asanka’s participation underscores SLIC and the UNDP ICMIF IIC's commitment to creating inclusive and innovative insurance solutions for vulnerable populations. This unique South-to-South Technical Assistance through the IIC shows how mutual microinsurers can collaborate with organizations like the DHAN Foundation. Asanka noted, “The DHAN Foundation’s assistance will help SANASA introduce mutual insurance to underserved communities, ensuring the sustainability of the project (LRS) for women-led MSMEs.” 

After the course ended, SLIC and DHAN Foundation held a meeting on the 14th of September to explore further cooperation and potential exchanges between the organizations.