By Chisom Okafor
The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Augustine Ezeka, on June 16, held his first official interactive session with all ASHIA-accredited healthcare providers at the IDK Learning Centre, Awka. The meeting provided an opportunity for the new Executive Secretary to familiarize himself with the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and management teams of healthcare facilities partnering with the Agency.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Ezeka expressed his delight at meeting the healthcare providers and commended them for the quality healthcare services they have been rendering to ASHIA enrollees over the years. He acknowledged their contributions to the growth and success of the health insurance scheme in Anambra State and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.
The Executive Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining cordial customer-service relationships with enrollees, stressing that every beneficiary deserves respect, dignity, and quality care. He noted that no enrollee should be treated less because they are accessing healthcare through insurance and reminded providers that there is no such thing as “ASHIA drugs,” urging them instead to properly guide enrollees on available treatment options.
Dr. Ezeka, however, expressed concern over reports of overbilling by some healthcare facilities and the submission of inflated claims to the Agency. He warned that any attempt to defraud ASHIA through exaggerated billing practices would not be tolerated, advising those involved in such acts to desist immediately, as the Agency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Alfred Ebiakofa, Health Finance Consultant from Delta State Contributory Health Commission, highlighted the critical role of healthcare providers in achieving universal health coverage. He urged participants to uphold professional ethics, improve service delivery, and strengthen collaboration with the Agency to ensure that enrollees continue to receive quality and affordable healthcare services across the state.
In his presentation, Mr. Tochukwu Ibeziakor, a staff of the Agency from the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, gave a comprehensive overview of health insurance practice, explaining key operational guidelines, provider responsibilities, claims processes, and enrollee rights.
The CMDs and other healthcare providers present congratulated Dr. Ezeka on his appointment as the Executive Secretary and pledged their continued support and partnership toward building a more effective and sustainable health insurance system for the people of Anambra State.
Chisom Okafor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation Anambra State
