By Chisom Okafor
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Ezeka Augustine Uwaeme, on May 7, received a delegation from the Awka Catholic Diocese on behalf of Catholic mission hospitals in the state.
The meeting, which was held at the ASHIA office in Awka, was aimed at addressing issues relating to service delivery.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vicar General of Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Chudi Peter Akaenyi, said the visit was to discuss and resolve the issues surrounding the delisting of St. Joseph Hospital, Ekwuluobia from the Agency’s healthcare provider network and then explore better ways of strengthening collaboration between the mission hospitals and ASHIA in serving enrollees.
“We are here to address and rectify the issues concerning St. Joseph Hospital, understand the reasons behind the delisting, and seek better ways to serve ASHIA and its enrollees effectively,” he said.
Also speaking, Fr. Barnabas Okafor from Ekwulobia Diocese expressed displeasure over the delisting and called for improved understanding and cooperation between both parties.
Responding, Dr. Ezeka explained that ASHIA remains committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare services to its enrollees, stressing that any healthcare facility found wanting in service delivery would face sanctions or possible delisting depending on the severity of the issue.
“ASHIA is committed to ensuring quality healthcare delivery for all enrollees. Every facility was provided with the Service Level Agreement to guide them on the Agency’s operational standards and expectations,” he said.
Dr. Ezeka further said that a crucial meeting would soon be scheduled in batches with St. Joseph Hospital and other Catholic mission hospitals to critically address the challenges affecting their operations and strengthen collaboration.
Also present at the meeting was Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uduh from Awka Diocese.
Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
