By Christopher Okafor

Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving near-universal health insurance coverage, with plans to ensure that about 95 percent of residents are enrolled before the end of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

This assurance came as the Anambra State House of Assembly officially confirmed Dr. Augustine Ezeka Uweme as the new Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).

Dr. Uweme’s appointment followed a nomination by Governor Soludo and subsequent approval by lawmakers during plenary at the State Assembly Complex in Awka.

Speaking after the confirmation, Dr. Uweme pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi Belonwu, while accelerating efforts to expand healthcare coverage across the state.

“Our priority is to consolidate on the good work already done and increase the number of people covered under the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme,” he said.

He noted that more than 314,000 residents and indigenes are expected to benefit from the agency’s expanded healthcare coverage initiatives in the near future.

According to him, Governor Soludo’s administration remains committed to ensuring that at least 95 percent of Anambra residents are covered by health insurance before the governor leaves office.

“That is our mission and our mandate. We are determined to deliver affordable and accessible healthcare to the people of Anambra State,” Dr. Uweme stated.

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, congratulated the new ASHIA chief and urged him to remain focused on advancing the governor’s healthcare agenda.

“You have been entrusted with an important responsibility. We expect you to align with the administration’s vision and build on the successes already recorded in the health insurance sector,” the Speaker said.

Dr. Uweme also expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo, the State Assembly leadership, and members of the screening committee for their confidence in his ability to lead the agency.

Addressing concerns about the quality of healthcare services in some facilities, the new Executive Secretary promised decisive action to improve standards across the state.

He disclosed plans to organize training workshops for healthcare personnel and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure that residents receive quality medical services.

“We are taking complaints about healthcare quality seriously. We will engage health workers, improve service delivery, and ensure that facilities meet expected standards,” he said.

Dr. Uweme further warned that hospitals found providing substandard healthcare services would face strict scrutiny and appropriate sanctions.

With the new leadership in place, ASHIA is expected to intensify efforts toward expanding healthcare access and bringing Anambra closer to its ambitious goal of universal health insurance coverage.

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