Anambra to enroll over 28,000 indigents into Special healthcare fund

From Covenant Oluchi Ikedinobi

The Anambra State Government, on Tuesday said it would commence the enrollment of no fewer than 28, 246, less privileged indigenes into a special healthcare fund on January 4, 2021.

Dr Vincent Okpala, State commissioner for Health made the disclosure during a news conference to commemorate the 2020 International Universal Health Coverage Day marked every Dec.12.

The International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day was set aside by the United Nations in 2012 to raise awareness of the need for strong, equitable and resilient health systems for all.

The programme had the theme : “Health for All: Protect Everyone”.

Okpala said that the enrollment was part of government’s efforts at making universal health coverage a reality in the state.

He said that the beneficiaries would be vulnerable and less privileged pregnant women, under-five children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, selected from the 326 wards in the state.

“Today’s commemoration is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have gone in achieving UHC in the state.

“Let me inform you that state government after meeting up with it counterpart funding, has received the sum of N338 million as it own quota of the Federal Government’s Basic Healthcare Provision Fund through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

“This Fund through the state’s health insurance scheme (ASHIA), is mapped out to cater for the health needs of the vulnerable citizens in the state.

” With this enrollment, our health indices will improve, maternal mortality, infant and neonatal deaths will also reduce, “he said

Okpala said that the state government was working hard to ensure protection of residents from catastrophic losses and ill-health as Nigeria battled the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

He urged residents to adhere to preventive protocols against COVID-19 pandemic.

Also speaking, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), said that over 90, 000 residents had enrolled into the state’s health insurance scheme.

Onyemaechi urged members of the public to enroll into the scheme to enjoy access to quality healthcare with less financial burden