Anambra mulls universal health insurance, tourism

…ASHIA drug stores too
…Agulu Lake Leisure Park underway

ANAMBRA is putting finishing touches on modalities of rejigging health insurance in the state.

  This is aimed at concretising Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s universal health coverage for ndi-Anambra through the health insurance scheme.

  Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Beluonwu Onyemaechi, dropped the hint during an exclusive interview in his office in Awka, yesterday.

  Explaining the proposal as part of government’s implementation of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s blueprint on the health sector, Onyemaechi assured of qualitative healthcare delivery scheme under the present administration.

  According to him, government will in the next four weeks establish ASHIA drug stores to avail ASHIA customers with medication at subsidised rates, through pharmacists at designated public facilities.

  Onyemaechi also enjoined those yet to sign up with ASHIA to do so immediately by enrolling into the scheme, since it is mandatory for every Nigerian to be enrolled in a health insurance scheme as stipulated by National Health Insurance Act.

  In another development, all is set for establishment for a world-class tourism and leisure park in Agulu Lake.

  Describing the policy as part of government’s devotion to opening up Agulu and entire Anaocha Local Government Area for tourists and investors, Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Don Onyenji said  it also demonstrates Gov. Soludo’s commitment to aggressive socio-economic development of the state, particularly the grassroots.

  Onyenji also said that plans are equally underway for refurbishment in existing tourism sites in the state to shore up their clientele base.

  According to him, facilities scheduled to be upgraded to international standard include Ogbunike Cave in Oyi Local Government Area, Ogba-Ukwu Cave and Waterfalls, Owerre-Ezukala, in Orumba South LGA, Igboukwu Bronze Culture Museum, Igboukwu in Aguata LGA, Zik Mausoleum in Onitsha city and others.