By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has said that his administration would not hesitate to probe and prosecute the management of the State’s Health Insurance Agency if any fraudulent act is reported in the agency.
Governor Eno sounded the warning during the official launch of Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme codenamed ARISECare at the weekend in Uyo.
The Governor, who expressed delight at the successful launch of the scheme in Akwa Ibom, in view of the significance role of health sector to the socioeconomic growth of the state, urged management and staff of the Agency to approach their activities with all amount of seriousness.
He explained that they must at all times in managing the funds placed in the agency show credibility and accountability to keep it running, warning that his administration won’t accept any excuse for failure.
His words, “Let me say this very clearly to the chairman and all the staff in this Agency, make no mistake please. This agency must continue to exhibit credibility and accountability. Make no mistake that you will be audited for I’m going to engage one of the best auditing firms in this Country to monitor the works and dealings in this Agency.
“I will audit and prosecute any act of fraud found in the system. We must work to provide the best healthcare services to our people and this, we must do, therefore don’t take the funds that have been placed for granted at all.
“We must ensure that we use the funds to run the agency and make it extremely credible. We must make Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Agency a reference point for insurance agencies in this country. Let approach it with all amount of seriousness, let see it as a call to duty and service to our people”
In his address on the event, the Director General of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri acknowledged health as critical for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
According to Dr Ohiri, a single illness episode can push a family into poverty. Hence, investing in health helps secure a healthy, productive population, promote security, and enhances economic growth and development.
“It is in this regard that I was overjoyed when I heard of your Excellency’s intention to take the laudable step of promoting healthcare in Akwa Ibom State through a health insurance mechanism.
“The ARISECare Health Insurance Scheme reflects Akwa Ibom State’s proactive approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage. By extending coverage to people in the formal and informal sectors, the state is addressing a critical need of most of its people. The informal is the backbone of the local economy and providing them with financial access to quality healthcare ensures that they remain productive with the added cover of financial risk protection.
“The combined effect of ARISECare and Basic Health Care Provisions Fund (BHCPF) will open a window of succour and new possibilities for the people of the state to access healthcare without the financial burden associated with the out-of-pocket expenditure. Indeed, it is a new dawn in Akwa Ibom State.” The Director General said.
He assured the commitment of the National Health Insurance Authority to supporting the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency by providing regulatory oversight and technical assistance.
According to him, NHIA is dedicated to working closely with the state to ensure that ARISECare Health Insurance Scheme delivers the intended benefits and strengthens the healthcare system for optimum service delivery.
