FHIS TEAM VISITS ASHIA ON STUDY TOUR 

By Chisom Okafor  :

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) team has embarked on a three-day study tour of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) to gain insights into the agency’s operational framework.  

The team, led by the FHIS Executive Secretary, Dr. Salamatu Belgore, was warmly received by the Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi. Dr. Belgore expressed appreciation for ASHIA’s hospitality and the willingness of its leadership to share valuable knowledge. 

She explained that the primary objective of the visit was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of ASHIA’s various departments, focusing on their operational structures, resource management strategies, and service delivery models. 

The goal, she noted, was to identify best practices that could be adopted to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FHIS in the Federal Capital Territory.  

In his address, Dr. Onyemaechi assured the visiting team of a well-rounded learning experience covering key aspects of health insurance practice, claims management, and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). 

He highlighted ASHIA’s reputation as a model health insurance agency, noting that no fewer than 13 states had previously visited for similar study tours, emphasizing that ASHIA’s success in health insurance implementation had earned it national recognition as a benchmark for other states.  

Providing a broad overview, Dr. Onyemaechi explained the structure of health insurance as practiced globally before narrowing it down to Nigeria’s national and state-level schemes. He elaborated on the roles of key institutions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) in implementing federal health policies. 

Assuring the FHIS team of a hands-on experience, Dr. Onyemaechi said, “We don’t just teach theory; my team will guide you through the practical aspects. You will also visit some of our healthcare providers to gain on-site experience and see firsthand how the system works in real-time.” 

The study tour is expected to equip the FHIS team with valuable insights and strategies to enhance health insurance implementation in the FCT, strengthening the overall healthcare system in Nigeria.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*