Akwa Ibom health insurance records over 220,000 enrollees in less than two years

 

 

Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Scheme has recorded over 220,000 enrollees less than two years after it began operations to offer affordable healthcare to the people in the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.

Edikan Ekwerre, a medical doctor and chairman of the agency, made this known during the training and onboarding programme for newly accredited healthcare facilities held at the Agency’s Board Room.

The chairman, who attributed the rapid growth of the scheme to confidence of residents in the scheme, however, warned healthcare providers against fraudulent practices, stressing that the Agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.

“We are not playing here. We have over 220,000 enrollees. Last year, we emerged as the fastest-growing State Social Health Insurance Scheme, and we are looking forward to retaining that recognition this year.

“We cannot achieve this without your partnership. Please cooperate with us. Prioritize our patients so they will know that the government truly means well, especially the vulnerable,” he said.

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He advised newly accredited healthcare facilities under the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency to prioritise enrollees of the scheme, particularly vulnerable beneficiaries, in the delivery of quality healthcare services and thanked the healthcare providers for partnering with the Agency and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare through the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme.

The anchor of the training/Head of Standard quality assurance, Edikan Ackley, a medical doctor, reiterated the importance of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance scheme while noting that hospital utilisation in Akwa Ibom State had increased from 7 percent before the introduction of the scheme to the current 17 percent; a reflection of the agency’s significant role in improving access to quality healthcare services across the state.

Ackley emphasized the importance of prompt treatment of emergency cases involving AKSHIA enrollees with reports submitted to the Agency within 48 hours, accurate diagnosis, and strict adherence to referral protocols.

He further explained that patients requiring services beyond the capacity of their primary healthcare provider should be referred to accredited secondary health facilities, accredited standalone pharmacies and diagnostic centres where necessary.

He, however, cautioned providers against referring patients for essential drugs and services already covered under capitation, as doing so creates unnecessary financial backlogs while stressing that prescribed medications should be effective, and referrals to standalone pharmacies should be made specifically for generic drug brands.

“We have to be intentional as the idea is health system strengthening and improved healthcare delivery,” Ackley said.

He further encouraged healthcare providers to make effective use of the Agency’s digital portal, noting that proficiency improves with regular use.

He also reminded participants that monthly bills should be submitted on or before the 7th of every month, adding that payments are processed within 30 working days and also emphasised the need for continuous training of desk officers to ensure proper documentation and timely filing of claims.

Also speaking, the Head of Programmes, Edet Enyekekere, a medical doctor, demonstrated the operation of the Agency’s electronic portal, taking participants through enrollee registration, referrals, pre-authorisation codes and other key digital processes to enhance efficient service delivery.

The Head of the Call Centre Unit, Ndifreke Williams, assured newly accredited health care facilities that the Agency’s call centre operates 24 hours daily. She provided the complaints and support lines and encouraged healthcare providers to always contact the call centre to confirm referrals instead of directing enrollees to visit the Agency.

The training featured interactive sessions where participants sought clarification on operational procedures. A representative of one of the newly accredited healthcare facilities delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the participants, expressing appreciation to the Agency for the enlightening onboarding programme.

Management and members of staff as well as other workers of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency were present at the training.