ASHIA LAUNCHES 2025–2029 STRATEGIC HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH COVERAGE IN ANAMBRA STATE

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has taken a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by launching its 2025–2029 Strategic Health Development Plan (SHDP) during the commemoration of Universal Health Coverage Day 2024. The initiative reflects ASHIA’s dedication to ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare for all residents of the state.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, Managing Director of ASHIA, highlighted the importance of UHC, describing it as the ability of all individuals to access essential healthcare services without financial hardship. He commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for his unwavering support, which has enabled the agency to achieve milestones since its establishment. 

Dr. Onyemaechi said that ASHIA has already enrolled over 230,000 active beneficiaries in its health insurance scheme and aimed to cover 90% of Anambra’s population by 2030 through the newly launched SHDP.

The 2025–2029 SHDP provides a roadmap for expanding health insurance coverage, improving service quality, and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare financing in the state. It aligns with Nigeria’s national goal of achieving UHC by 2030 and sets a precedence for other subnational efforts in healthcare reform.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, praised ASHIA’s efforts in enhancing healthcare delivery and urged Ndi Anambra to embrace the insurance scheme for better health outcomes.

Hon. Tony Muobike, Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health, described the SHDP as a transformational initiative and assured legislative support to facilitate its successful implementation.

The event also featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including representatives from Civil Society Organizations, National Health Insurance Authority, World Health Organization (WHO), and State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Each commended ASHIA for its forward-thinking approach to healthcare.

The launch of the Strategic Health Development Plan marked the climax of the ceremony, reinforcing Anambra State’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive healthcare system. With this plan, ASHIA aims to improve health outcomes, enhance equity, and provide financial protection for residents as the state advances toward achieving UHC by 2030.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State