The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) is expanding its health coverage to students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). This initiative introduces the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) to the Igbariam campus, ensuring students have access to quality healthcare without financial stress. The program aims to cover all COOU students across its various campuses, marking a significant step in prioritizing student welfare in the state.
A Vision for Comprehensive Student Healthcare
Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, the Managing Director of ASHIA, announced the agency’s commitment to student health. He stated that after a successful outreach at the Uli campus, the program is now being extended to Igbariam and Awka locations. This expansion was facilitated by the new Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha.
The goal is to provide a safety net for all students. “We’re ensuring that all COOU students across both campuses and those in Awka are covered under TISHIP,” Dr. Onyemaechi explained. This comprehensive plan guarantees that students can receive medical attention not just at the university’s medical center but also during school breaks.
Making Quality Healthcare Affordable and Accessible
A key aspect of this program is its affordability. Professor Kate Omenugha worked closely with ASHIA to structure the TISHIP initiative in a way that it would not create an extra financial load on the students. The program is designed to integrate smoothly with the existing student financial system.
Dr. Onyemaechi emphasized the seamless referral process. “If a student needs services beyond what our medical center offers, they’ll be referred to our secondary facilities,” he said. This means students will get the specialized care they need without the stress of traveling back home.
- Complete medical coverage both on and off campus.
- Access to specialized medical facilities through a referral system.
- No extra fees for enrollment or maintaining coverage.
This structure ensures that healthcare is not just available but also easily accessible to every enrolled student, whenever they need it.
Upgrading University Medical Facilities
To handle the expected increase in students seeking care, ASHIA is actively upgrading the medical facilities at COOU. The agency conducted a thorough assessment to determine the essential equipment needed to provide effective basic medical services at both the Uli and Igbariam campuses.
These investments are crucial for ensuring the university’s medical centers are well-prepared. “We’re committed to equipping our medical centers to meet the growing needs of our student population,” Dr. Onyemaechi affirmed.
| Equipment Needed | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
| MRI Machines | 2 | ₦50,000,000 |
| Ultrasound Devices | 5 | ₦10,000,000 |
| Diagnostic Kits | 100 | ₦5,000,000 |
| Emergency Response Units | 3 | ₦15,000,000 |
Students Welcome the New Health Initiative
The introduction of TISHIP has been received with great enthusiasm by the students. The students’ Attorney General, Comrade Josephat Ezehiri, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the student body.
“This program is a lifesaver. It means we can focus on our studies without worrying about unexpected medical expenses,” he stated. This positive reception highlights the real-world impact of the initiative on students’ daily lives and academic pursuits.
The partnership between ASHIA and COOU is a significant development for student health in Anambra State. With over 231,000 residents already benefiting from ASHIA’s schemes, this expansion into the university system promises a healthier future for the state’s student population.
