Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has taken a significant step in enhancing student welfare by introducing the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) students at the Igbariam campus.
Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, Managing Director of ASHIA, addressed the eager students, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to their health and well-being. “We’ve already reached out to the Uli campus, and with Professor Kate Omenugha stepping in as the Acting Vice Chancellor, we’re ensuring that all COOU students across both campuses and those in Awka are covered under TISHIP,” he explained. This initiative guarantees access to quality healthcare within the university’s medical center and a suite of medical benefits during breaks.
Seamless Healthcare Access Without Extra Costs
Professor Kate Omenugha played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s implementation. She collaborated closely with ASHIA to ensure that enrolling in TISHIP wouldn’t impose additional financial burdens on the students.
- Key Benefits of TISHIP:
- Comprehensive medical coverage on and off-campus
- Access to specialized medical facilities when needed
- No extra costs for enrollment or maintenance
Dr. Onyemaechi highlighted, “If a student needs services beyond what our medical center offers, they’ll be referred to our secondary facilities. This means no student has to return home for adequate care.” The program is structured to integrate seamlessly with existing student finances, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
Enhancing Medical Facilities at COOU
To support the influx of students enrolling in TISHIP, ASHIA has undertaken significant upgrades to the university’s medical facilities. An inventory assessment was conducted to identify essential medical equipment required at both Uli and Igbariam campuses.
| 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 |
These investments are set to provide basic medical services, ensuring that students receive timely and effective healthcare. “We’re committed to equipping our medical centers to meet the growing needs of our student population,” Dr. Onyemaechi affirmed.
Student Reception and Future Prospects
The introduction of TISHIP has been met with widespread approval from the student body. Comrade Josephat Ezehiri, the students’ Attorney General, expressed gratitude towards ASHIA for their efforts. “This program is a lifesaver. It means we can focus on our studies without worrying about unexpected medical expenses,” he stated.
The partnership between ASHIA and COOU marks a positive shift towards prioritizing student health. With over 231,000 residents in Anambra already enrolled in the scheme, the agency is poised to extend its services further, ensuring that every student has access to the healthcare they deserve.
