By Chisom Okafor
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s health sector reforms has yielded measurable results, with enrollment in the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) rising to over 330,000.
Speaking to journalists at the ASHIA office in Awka, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, said the milestone reflects the success of the governor’s deliberate investments in healthcare delivery and access.
He explained that the administration’s policy direction, as outlined in its solution manifesto, captured the health sector under human capital development and social agenda, with a clear mandate for expanding health insurance coverage and improving service delivery across the state.
“When you look at Soludo Solution the people’s manifesto, the health sector is in the human capital development and social agenda pillar, with a strong statement on increasing health insurance coverage.
What we are seeing today is the result of deliberate efforts to improve our health facility functionality, through massive infrastructure upgrade and employment of more health workers, with resultant provision of quality services. These steps have helped people trust public hospitals again and accept ASHIA as a reliable and affordable means to access the now available quality healthcare,” he said.
Dr. Onyemaechi noted that the government has tackled long-standing challenges in public health facilities through the recruitment of doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory scientists and other healthcare workers, especially in rural areas where public hospitals serve as the primary source of care.
He added that the construction and accreditation of five new General Hospitals in Anambra North senatorial district have further strengthened the system, improving access to quality healthcare and contributing to the steady increase in enrollment from about 140,000 in 2022 to over 330,000 currently.
The ASHIA boss also expressed optimism that the gains will be sustained in the governor’s second tenure, with plans to strengthen the enforcement of mandatory health insurance and increase contributions from local governments.
He commended Ndi Anambra for their strong support, noting that the governor secured 73 per cent of the total votes cast across party lines.
Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
