Anambra health insurance agency calls for better patient care and quick treatment

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency has called on healthcare providers to give better care to patients and avoid delays in treatment.

The Managing Director of the agency, Augustine Ezeka, made this statement on Tuesday in Awka during a meeting with the Chief Medical Directors of the 117 accredited healthcare facilities in the state.

Mr Ezeka, who is a medical doctor, said that good customer service would build trust in the health scheme and help more people access quality healthcare.

He said the meeting aimed to strengthen the partnership between the agency and healthcare providers, improve service delivery, and address issues raised by the enrollees.

He pointed out that poor customer care and some providers not following approved tariffs were major complaints from enrollees.

According to Mr Ezeka, how patients feel about their experience in healthcare facilities is crucial for the success of the scheme and achieving universal health coverage in Anambra.

"We recognize that there are challenges in the system, but through collaboration, we can overcome them."

"Health insurance is the way to go, and that is why it is compulsory in many developed countries. We need to replicate the same in Anambra to ensure residents have access to quality healthcare without financial hardship," he said.

Mr Ezeka urged healthcare providers to align with Governor Charles Soludo’s vision by offering prompt and high-quality healthcare services for enrollees.

He confirmed the agency’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and expanding health insurance coverage across the state.

In a presentation, a health finance expert, Alfred Ebiakafo, stressed the importance of healthcare providers improving customer relations.

Mr Ebiakafo noted that patients often seek medical care while also dealing with financial and emotional pressures.

"Good customer care will attract more people to your facility, increase capitation, and ultimately support the growth and development of hospitals," he said.

He added that the scheme benefits patients, healthcare providers, and the government. He urged the agency to enhance monitoring of accredited facilities to ensure quality service delivery.

Some healthcare providers present shared worries about patients who demand specific medications and treatments, often threatening to go elsewhere if their needs are not met.

They also asked the agency to create a health bank and approve drug suppliers to improve access to quality medications and strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.