Anambra State Government Proposes Social Health Insurance Scheme for University Students

In a bid to enhance healthcare services for students in higher institutions, the Anambra State Government is taking steps to enroll students in the state into the Social Health Insurance Scheme.

During a visit to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Awka, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, the Managing Director of Anambra State Health Insurance Authority (ASHIA), announced the initiative.

He highlighted that the move aligns with the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme Law 2016 and the new National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022, which make health insurance compulsory for every resident.

Governor Soludo of Anambra State

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ASHIA, in collaboration with a healthcare agency, is proposing a premium of N4,000 per student per academic session to insure university students. This initiative aims to provide students with healthcare access beyond campus boundaries, ensuring coverage during vacations in accredited hospitals nationwide using their identity cards.

The primary objective is to guarantee students receive quality healthcare, promoting well-being both on and off campus. Dr. Onyemaechi emphasized ASHIA’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to students throughout their university programs.

Prof. Kate Omenugha, the Vice Chancellor of COOU, acknowledged the initiative and praised the potential positive impact of the health insurance scheme on students.

She expressed the readiness of universities to complete the necessary paperwork for the program’s implementation before the next academic session, anticipating a reduction in the financial burden of accessing healthcare for students.