The attainment of Universal Health Coverage in Anambra State was the crux of the matter at the world press conference held at the conference hall of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) Government House Awka. The whole media parley was that Universal Health Coverage would be achieved as envisioned by the state governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo judging from the innovations introduced to the social health insurance scheme intended to guarantee increased access to affordable quality healthcare as well as save citizens from high out-of-pocket health expenditures that could potentially impoverish them. That was the meat of the discourse to commemorate the 2022 World Universal Health Coverage Day as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Beluonwu Onyemaechi, reeled out achievements of the state social health insurance scheme in relation to the realisation of the Universal Health Coverage in Anambra State using the Solution model.
Although the United Nations General Assembly had on 12th December, 2012 endorsed a resolution which urged countries of the world to accelerate progress towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage. Universal Health Coverage on its part, is such a time when everyone, everywhere would have access to quality healthcare that is affordable. However, to lay claim to Universal Health Coverage, healthcare must be affordable, accessible, of good quality, equitable and sustainable. The theme for the 2022 celebration of Universal Health Coverage Day is ” Build The World We Want: A Healthy Future For All. ” On the other hand, the Anambra State Health Insurance Law 2016, which is a product of an executive bill, established for Anambra state, a social health insurance scheme to be administered by Anambra State Health Insurance Agency.
Ever since the official launch of the scheme on 14th September, 2018 and commencement of access to healthcare by beneficiaries on 1st January, 2019 from a network of about 100 public, private and mission hospitals across the state, government has continued to save lives through affordable healthcare services. The number of healthcare providers under the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme has grown to over 200 facilities. Hence, accessing healthcare through ASHIA has significantly improved the health seeking behaviour of the populace. The main reason therefore for positive health seeking behaviour of the people were affordability of care and availability of quality care including quality drugs as well as presence of medical personnel in health facilities.
To Be Continued …