DR. UMEAKUEWULU PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO ASHIA EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, SEEKS STRONGER HEALTH INSURANCE CO
Posted On: 2026-07-03 11:05:24
DR. UMEAKUEWULU PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO ASHIA EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, SEEKS STRONGER HEALTH INSURANCE COLLABORATION The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, on Thursday, 7th May 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Augustine Uwaeme Ezeaka, at the ASHIA office in Awka. The CMD was accompanied by members of her management team, including the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), Dr. Ifeoma Njelita; Head of Administration, Mrs. Chioma Ibekie; Head of Accounts, Mr. Wilson Ezeilo; Head of Health Insurance, COOUTH, Dr. Afam Anameje; Public Relations Officer, Agbai Henrietta; and Head of Internal Audit, Mrs. Uju Ejiofor, among others. Dr. Umeakuewulu was warmly received by Dr. Ezeaka and his management team. Speaking during the visit, Dr. Umeakuewulu appreciated the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for giving her the opportunity to return home and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare development of the state. She noted that no achievement made outside one’s homeland could be compared to the fulfilment that comes with impacting lives at home. According to her, the opportunity to serve in Anambra State at this critical time is both a privilege and a call to greater responsibility. The CMD emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between COOUTH and ASHIA in expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare services for Ndi Anambra, especially in line with the Governor’s vision of building a livable and prosperous homeland. She identified the need to review and increase the capitation structure, noting that the current capitation remains too low to reflect the growing healthcare realities and demands in the state. Dr. Umeakuewulu observed that the number of people registered under the health insurance scheme is still poor, particularly in COOUTH, and stressed the need for aggressive reforms and awareness creation to encourage greater participation. Dr. Umeakuewulu further emphasized the need for efficiency in the operation of the health insurance system so that people can access quality healthcare services without unnecessary bureaucracy and stress. According to her, many people avoid public health facilities and health insurance schemes because of delays and cumbersome processes that make healthcare difficult to access. She disclosed that COOUTH is already moving towards a fully digital and paperless system, noting that the era of carrying paper folders is gradually coming to an end. The CMD also stressed that COOUTH is prepared to cater for all classes of people, including VIPs and individuals under health insurance coverage, while encouraging people to seek timely care in tertiary health institutions where they can have access to a wide range of specialists before their health conditions deteriorate. According to the CMD, the proposed collaboration between COOUTH and ASHIA will help establish a more seamless, patient-centered healthcare system comparable to what is obtainable in developed countries. She reiterated that COOUTH is strategically positioned and committed to becoming a global centre of medical excellence through improved service delivery, innovation, technology, and strong institutional partnerships. She noted that healthcare remains a fundamental right of every individual and called for collective commitment toward building a healthcare system that truly serves the people. In his response, the Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr. Augustine Uwaeme Ezeaka appreciated the visit and the congratulatory message from the CMD on his appointment. He commended the efforts of his predecessor and assured that his administration would move swiftly to address issues surrounding capitation and improve the effectiveness of the scheme. Dr. Ezeaka agreed that the number of people currently accessing health insurance services in the state remains low, attributing the challenge to poor awareness as well as certain religious and cultural mindsets. He, however, emphasized that his administration has taken decisive steps to reposition the agency for greater impact and wider coverage across the state. He welcomed the proposed collaboration with COOUTH, describing it as a partnership between solution-driven institutions committed to giving the best to Ndi Anambra, and pledged his readiness to support the vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland through quality healthcare delivery.
Public Relations Office
COOUTH Amaku, Awka