ASHIA, National Team Move to Close Healthcare Gaps for TB Patients, People Living With HIV
Chisom Okafor | IchieTimes
The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) and a national health supervision team have reviewed progress and identified areas for improvement in healthcare access for tuberculosis (TB) patients and people living with HIV (PLHIV), as part of efforts to ensure vulnerable groups receive affordable and quality medical care.
The review followed a five day Integrated Mentorship Supervision Visit by the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), conducted from October 12 to 16 in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), under the Global Fund Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (GF-RSSH) Grant.
During the exercise, the national team met with the Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr. Augustine Ezeka, and the agency’s management to assess programme implementation, examine performance and identify gaps requiring attention.
Key areas reviewed included beneficiary enrolment, utilisation of healthcare services, data management and the delivery of Global Fund supported health insurance services to TB patients and people living with HIV.
The engagement also provided a platform for technical knowledge sharing and discussions on improving coordination between relevant institutions. The objective was to strengthen programme delivery and help ensure that eligible beneficiaries can access essential healthcare services without unnecessary barriers.
The exercise highlights the importance of cooperation between state and national health institutions in extending health insurance protection to vulnerable populations, particularly those who may face financial and other obstacles to accessing treatment.
ASHIA reaffirmed its commitment to improving programme implementation, strengthening accountability and expanding health insurance coverage across Anambra State.
The initiative supports the broader goal of Universal Health Coverage, which seeks to ensure that everyone can access essential health services without suffering financial hardship, and aligns with the healthcare priorities of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
