By Chisom Okafor
The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) on Oct. 7, received the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Economic Planning and International Donors on a familiarisation visit aimed at strengthening oversight and improving collaboration in the health sector.
The meeting, held at the ASHIA Conference Room, was led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Paul Obu, who said the visit was designed to deepen the relationship between the legislature and the executive while gaining a clearer understanding of ASHIA’s programmes, activities and partnerships with development organisations.
Representing the Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr. Augustine Ezeka, was the Head of Accounts, Mr. Anekwe Chinonso.
Hon. Obu explained that the engagement formed part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities, particularly in monitoring programmes, interventions and financial inflows associated with the SDGs, economic development and international development partners in Anambra State.
The committee sought information on ASHIA’s contribution to the health-related SDGs, including efforts towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It sought to identify challenges affecting the agency, including structural constraints, counterpart funding gaps and areas where legislative or budgetary intervention may be required.
A key request from the committee was for comprehensive documentation on donor funded projects and activities implemented by ASHIA. The documents are expected to provide insight into the agency’s development partnerships, supported interventions, implementation progress and outcomes.
The agency appreciated the committee for the visit, expressing its readiness to provide the requested information and work with the House of Assembly to strengthen health insurance coverage and advance Universal Health Coverage across Anambra State.
The engagement underscores the importance of effective legislative oversight, transparent development partnerships and sustained investment in healthcare as the state works towards achieving the health related Sustainable Development Goals.
Chisom Okafor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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