By Chisom Okafor
The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Ezeka, has met with the President General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Mr. Humphrey Anuna, to discuss strategic collaboration aimed at bringing healthcare services closer to traders across major markets in Anambra State.
The meeting, which was held on June 10, at the ASMATA Office, Onitsha, focused on expanding access to health insurance by leveraging ASMATA’s extensive network of market leaders and traders throughout the state.
Welcoming the ASHIA Executive Secretary, Mr. Anuna congratulated Dr. Ezeka on his appointment and commended the Agency’s efforts toward achieving universal health coverage in Anambra State. He expressed optimism that ASHIA would soon become a household name across the state through its people-centered initiatives.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Ezeka explained that the engagement was aimed at securing ASMATA’s support in convening leaders of major markets in Anambra State for an official sensitization meeting with ASHIA representatives.
According to him, the proposed collaboration will provide an avenue to educate market executives on the benefits of health insurance, establish ASHIA desk officers within various markets, and facilitate continuous sensitization of traders through their respective market leadership structures.
The Executive Secretary noted that bringing ASHIA services directly into the markets would significantly enhance access to enrollment and enable traders to register swiftly and conveniently without disrupting their business activities.
Responding, Mr. Anuna expressed his support for the initiative and disclosed that a date would soon be announced for a sensitization meeting involving leaders of all major markets in Anambra State. He noted that the meeting would provide an opportunity for ASHIA to engage directly with market executives and outline the benefits of the health insurance scheme to traders.
In his remarks, Mr. Bucknor Agu, Assistant Secretary of Ogbaru Main Market Relief, described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it would enable traders to enroll in the health insurance scheme without concerns about distance or accessibility.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between ASHIA and ASMATA in order to expand health insurance coverage among traders and promote access to quality and affordable healthcare across Anambra State.
Chisom Okafor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
