The Anambra State Government is taking initiatives to enrol students in the state’s Social Health Insurance Scheme in order to improve healthcare services for students in higher education institutions.
Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, Managing Director of Anambra State Health Insurance Authority (ASHIA), made the announcement during a visit to the state’s university, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Awka.
Dr. Onyemaechi stated that the action is consistent with the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme Law of 2016, which is in line with the new National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2022, which mandates health insurance for all residents.
In partnership with a healthcare organisation, ASHIA proposes an N4,000 premium per student per academic session to insure university students.
This project intends to give students with healthcare access beyond college boundaries, assuring coverage during holidays at authorised hospitals across the country using their ID cards.
The major goal is to ensure that students obtain quality healthcare while fostering well-being both on and off campus.
Onyemaechi emphasised ASHIA’s dedication to provide quality healthcare to students throughout their academic programmes.
Prof. Kate Omenugha, COOU’s Vice Chancellor, acknowledged the effort and complimented the potential positive impact of the health insurance system on students.
She stated that universities are prepared to complete the appropriate documentation for the program’s implementation before the next academic session, with the goal of reducing students’ financial burdens in accessing healthcare.