ANAMBRA (FIC Awka) – Governor Willie Obiano has expressed his commitment towards improving the health system in the State through reforms.
The Governor made this known at the Anambra State Government House, where he received a team of EU officials on interventions in Health System Strengthening.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, revealed that this would be achieved through reforms, targeted at enhancing quality service delivery across hospitals in the State. He further assured that his administration would be proactive in doing the needful in the healthcare system of the State.
While thanking the people of the State for adopting the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIS), Obiano noted that people now go to the hospitals to receive treatment without paying huge sums, as they are only expected to pay 10% of the total treatment administered to them.
The Governor therefore called on the EU, World Health Organization (WHO) and other foreign donors for more resources; he further commended them and State Government-backed Healthcare Agencies for their efforts, saying that there was need to protect people from diseases and promote better living.
The Head, Health, Nutrition and Resilience Section of the EU delegation, Counselor Montserrat Pantaleoni, commended the State’s numerous achievements in the health sector, saying that Anambra State is leading in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
She noted that this formed the decision in selecting Anambra State as one of the pilot States, along with Sokoto State.
Health Adviser, EU delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Ayeke, pledged the team’s willingness to align with the State government’s initiatives towards progressing its health sector.
The State Coordinator, WHO, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, commended the State’s political will and reform mindedness, which he said attracted EU to Anambra State.
He stated that the Anambra Health Insurance Scheme is an excellent example of reforms, stressing that it is a testimony to reforms, that can actually work.
Dr. Igboekwu described the health registry as a developmental tool supported by EU partnership which would give an arm’s view of the State’s health force and identity gaps.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala, who spoke earlier, noted that the EU delegates were in the State to monitor and access the level of impact recorded by the project.
Dr Okpala also said that they would evaluate its achievements and seek further opportunities in order to strengthen the healthcare system in the State.
The Commissioner, however pledged that Anambra State would continue to perform better in its healthcare delivery system, especially with the support of EU and WHO.
Signed by
Asika Ikemefuna
PEO I (Information)/ Head of Centre,
