The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Augustine Ezeka, has announced plans to establish ASHIA offices in major markets across Anambra State to make health insurance enrollment more accessible to traders.
Dr. Ezeka made this known during a visit by ASHIA officials to the headquarters of the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association in Onitsha on Thursday.
According to Ezeka, the initiative is aimed at bringing ASHIA services closer to traders who may find it difficult to travel to Awka for registration. He explained that the agency sought the cooperation and approval of ASMATA before commencing the project.
As part of the arrangement, each major market will nominate a representative to serve as an ASHIA Desk Officer. The selected individuals will undergo training by the agency and receive monthly remuneration from ASHIA.
Dr. Ezeka described health insurance as the most effective pathway to achieving universal health coverage, noting that enrollment in the scheme costs ₦12,000 annually, while the ASHIA identity card attracts a fee of ₦500. He emphasized that the scheme is open to people of all ages and provides access to various healthcare benefits.
Also speaking, Mrs. Nneoma Anoliefo, Head of Business Development and Marketing at ASHIA, highlighted the agency’s achievements and expressed confidence that the partnership with ASMATA would enhance enrollment among traders across the state.
In his remarks, ASMATA President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna, welcomed the initiative and pledged the association’s support. He stated that the administration of Chukwuma Soludo has continued to implement impactful programmes, including ASHIA and the One Youth, Two Skills initiative.
A market leader, Chief Stephen Onungene, Chairman of the Old and New Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, also commended ASHIA, citing positive experiences of beneficiaries who have accessed healthcare services through the scheme.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the planned market-based enrollment system is expected to increase access to affordable healthcare coverage among traders and further expand health insurance penetration across Anambra State.
