Tag: ASHIA

 By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), has taken a significant step toward improving healthcare services at the grassroots level by engaging all 21 Local Government Area (LGA) Health Coordinators in a strategic meeting. 

The meeting, presided over by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, focused on defining the critical roles and responsibilities of health supervisors to ensure the effective implementation of health policies and programs across the state. 

A key highlight of the discussion was the commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery at the community level and accelerating progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Anambra State. 

Dr. Onyemaechi emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare for all residents. 

Speaking on behalf of the 21 LGA Health Coordinators, the Chairman of the Coordinators, Dr.  Nkem Hillary Okeke commended ASHIA for its continuous efforts in transforming the healthcare sector, reaffirming the commitment of the health coordinators to implementing ASHIA’s policies and ensuring that healthcare services reach every community. 

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between ASHIA and the LGAs in achieving universal health coverage and expressed confidence that the engagement would further enhance service delivery at the grassroots level. 

By reinforcing the role of LGA health coordinators, ASHIA aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency, aligning with the state government’s vision of a more inclusive and robust healthcare system. 

 *Chisom is of the Ministry of Information Anambra State*

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has issued a strong warning to desk officers at its accredited health facilities, cautioning them against overcharging enrollees and engaging in unethical financial practices.

Speaking during a meeting with the officers at the ASHIA headquarters in Awka, the agency’s Managing Director, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, reaffirmed that the ASHIA premium remains fixed at ₦12,500, warning that any officer caught extorting enrollees would face strict penalties, as the agency is committed to ensuring affordable healthcare access for all beneficiaries.

Expressing concern over some hospitals offering services beyond their ASHIA accreditation, the MD warned that such violations would not be tolerated. He instructed facilities to strictly adhere to the services for which they were accredited and avoid misleading enrollees into paying for non-covered treatments. Institutions found guilty of such practices, he said, would face consequences.

Dr. Onyemaechi encouraged desk officers to be open-minded, professional, and attentive to enrollees’ needs, stressing that beneficiaries should not be required to make out-of-pocket payments for services covered under the scheme, as ASHIA was established to provide affordable healthcare. 

He urged officers to uphold integrity and ensure that enrollees receive the full benefits of their health insurance without unnecessary financial burdens.

Addressing issues related to pre-authorization codes, the MD advised desk officers to ensure that they provide accurate diagnoses when submitting requests for approval, explaining that improper or incomplete information often leads to denials, causing unnecessary delays in treatment. 

“By following due process and providing the correct details, they could streamline approvals and enhance service efficiency,” he said.

Dr. Onyemaechi reaffirmed ASHIA’s commitment to ensuring that the health insurance scheme functions optimally, providing quality and accessible healthcare to the people of Anambra State, calling on desk officers and healthcare providers to uphold the agency’s mission and work toward a transparent, corruption-free system.

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

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*

By Chisom Okafor :

The Mayor of Idemmili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, has taken a significant step toward improving healthcare access by enrolling over 2,500 indigenes in the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA). The enrollment ceremony was held at the local government headquarters in Ogidi.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Nkwoka explained that the initiative was aimed at easing the financial burden of medical expenses for residents. Through ASHIA, beneficiaries can now access quality and affordable healthcare services, regardless of their financial status.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, praised the Mayor for his proactive leadership and commitment to the well-being of the community. He urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity to prioritize their health and commended the effort to reduce preventable deaths caused by a lack of access to medical care.

Representing the Managing Director of ASHIA, Nurse Mbonu Ogochukwu educated attendees on the numerous benefits of health insurance, emphasizing its role in providing timely and professional medical care without financial worries.

The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to the Mayor, applauding his dedication to improving their lives. Many acknowledged that the initiative would alleviate the stress of healthcare costs and ensure their health needs are met. This enrollment marks a significant milestone in advancing accessible and affordable healthcare in Idemmili North.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, 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

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has conducted a sensitization session for students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam campus, on the benefits of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP).

Speaking at the event, ASHIA’s Managing Director, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, highlighted the agency’s earlier sensitization efforts at the Uli campus and praised the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, for her proactive approach, noting that Prof. Omenugha engaged ASHIA to ensure that students from all campuses, including Awka, benefit from TISHIP, which provides access to quality healthcare both on and off campus.

Dr. Onyemaechi explained that students requiring specialized care beyond the university’s medical centers can be referred to ASHIA’s secondary healthcare facilities. He commended Prof. Omenugha for implementing the program without imposing additional costs on students.

The ASHIA boss assured the students that the program would improve their healthcare access and eliminate situations where medical fees included in tuition go unused. He revealed that ASHIA has already assessed equipment needs at the Uli and Igbariam medical centers and will supply the necessary items to enhance service delivery.

Currently, over 231,000 Anambra residents are enrolled in ASHIA’s scheme. Dr. Onyemaechi encouraged the students to familiarize themselves with their entitlements under the program, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to providing them with quality healthcare.

Mr. Josephat Ezehiri, the university’s Students’ Attorney General, expressed gratitude to ASHIA, noting that the program would alleviate the financial burden of healthcare on students and ensure they receive adequate medical attention.

This initiative further underscores ASHIA’s mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all Anambra residents, including students.

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

By Chisom Okafor :

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has been celebrated as the Most Innovative Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) in Anambra State during the recently concluded Anambra Innovation Week (AIW) program. This distinguished recognition highlights ASHIA’s outstanding use of digital technology to enhance its operations and improve healthcare service delivery across the state.

In addition to the prestigious award, ASHIA received a cash prize of  N2million as part of the honor. 

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, who was present at the award ceremony, lauded ASHIA for setting a high standard in service delivery and contributing significantly to his administration’s vision of making Anambra a model state for quality and affordable healthcare.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, expressed profound gratitude to the dedicated ASHIA team for their relentless efforts in driving innovation within the agency. He emphasized that the adoption of cutting-edge technology has not only transformed the internal processes of ASHIA but has also played a critical role in expanding access to quality healthcare services for the residents of Anambra State.

Dr. Onyemaechi attributed the success of the agency to the commitment of the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo. He commended the governor’s support and investment in innovative solutions that strengthens the healthcare system. 

The AIW program, which celebrates creativity and innovation in solving societal challenges, provided a platform to showcase ASHIA’s efforts in leveraging technology for health insurance coverage. The agency’s initiatives, including the seamless enrollment process, efficient claim management, and transparency in service delivery, were noted as benchmarks of excellence.

This recognition further solidifies ASHIA’s position as a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. The agency’s commitment to utilizing modern tools and techniques to meet the health insurance needs of the people of Anambra State demonstrates its dedication to excellence. By prioritizing accessibility and quality, ASHIA continues to enhance the health and well-being of its beneficiaries, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic growth of the state.

*Okafor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

By Chisom Okafor :

The Managing Director of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, has presented beneficiary identity cards to the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, for the 21 executive members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from Nnobi Ward One. 

Additionally, Dr. Onyemaechi provided 21 pamphlets outlining the benefit package to ensure that the beneficiaries are fully informed and receive their entitled benefits.

During the card presentation at the ASHIA complex, Awka, Dr Onyemaechi, noted that the scheme has remained instrumental to quality and affordable healthcare services in Anambra.

He appreciated Dr Omenugha for the gesture and encouraged the beneficiaries to access the services and give feedback to the agency to enable them serve Ndi Anambra better.

Receiving the cards, Dr Omenugha, emphasized his interest in ensuring productivity through properly taking care of the people doing the work and his deepest concern on healthy living of his people. 

He noted that getting his ward executive members enrolled into ASHIA is part of his contributions to the growth of APGA, good governance and Anambra State in general.

The Chairman of APGA, Nnobi ward one, Chief Frank-Iyke Ezeanya, in a vote of thanks appreciated Dr Omenugha for his support and Dr Onyemaechi for the good job he is doing in ASHIA.

He promised greater commitment to mobilizing support for Governor Soludo, growth of APGA and the state at large.

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