ARISECARE: A New Dawn for Healthcare in Akwa Ibom State
Emediong Daniel
Akwa Ibom State is on the brink of a major transformation in its healthcare system, as the state government, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Pastor Umo Eno, prepares to officially launch the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (ARISECARE) on Friday, 20th September 2024. This monumental initiative is poised to revolutionize access to healthcare services across the state, ensuring that no one, regardless of financial standing, is left without the medical care they deserve.
Governor Umo Eno has shown unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of the citizens of Akwa Ibom, and ARISECARE is a testament to his vision for a healthier and more prosperous state. The governor’s support for this scheme underscores his dedication to enhancing healthcare access and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). His leadership has ensured the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) through legislative backing and financial commitment, setting the stage for ARISECARE’s successful implementation.
One of the key aspects of ARISECARE is its inclusivity. The scheme is structured into three comprehensive plans tailored to meet the healthcare needs of various sectors of society. The Formal Sector Plan caters to civil servants, public sector employees, and workers in the organized private sector. By mandating health insurance for employees, this plan relieves families of the financial burden of medical expenses, fostering a healthier workforce and promoting productivity. Under this plan, regular premium contributions from both employers and employees will ensure sustainable healthcare financing.
In recognition of the informal sector’s substantial contribution to the state’s economy, ARISECARE has designed an Informal Sector Plan that accommodates artisans, traders, farmers, and other self-employed individuals. Over 70% of Akwa Ibom’s population is engaged in informal economic activities, and this plan provides a flexible payment structure to suit their unique financial situations. It is an inclusive approach that ensures that even those outside the formal economy can access quality healthcare services.
Another major highlight of ARISECARE is its Vulnerable Peoples Scheme, designed to protect the most marginalized members of society. This plan, funded through government subsidies and contributions from donors and development partners, will provide free or subsidized healthcare services to the elderly, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and other indigent individuals. Governor Umo Eno’s administration has made it clear that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and ARISECARE is an embodiment of that principle.
Since the inauguration of the AKSHIA Board on 2nd July 2024, under the capable leadership of Dr. Edikan Ekwere, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Board Chairman, the agency has wasted no time in preparing for the launch of ARISECARE. The agency has successfully accredited 80 primary health centers out of 100 visited across the state’s three senatorial districts, ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to provide care immediately after the launch. Additionally, over 11,000 vulnerable residents have already been enrolled under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, with five secondary healthcare facilities accredited to handle referrals from primary centers.
Governor Umo Eno’s administration has also taken proactive steps to ensure that the organized private sector and civil servants are onboarded seamlessly into the scheme. Around 1,700 people from the private sector have already been enrolled, and discussions with the leadership of organized labour have set the stage for enrolling over 52,000 civil servants. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that no sector is left behind in the push for universal healthcare coverage.
The informal sector has also seen a remarkable start, with over 3,000 transporters and market women already enrolled. This is a clear indication that the people of Akwa Ibom are embracing ARISECARE, understanding its potential to safeguard their health and financial well-being. The agency has also conducted training for healthcare providers at primary health centers, preparing them for the eventual rollout of capitation payments and the provision of care under the scheme.
The success of ARISECARE will be driven by a well-thought-out implementation strategy that includes a robust public awareness campaign to educate citizens on the benefits of the scheme. The agency will also deploy a user-friendly digital platform to facilitate registration, premium payments, and claims processing, ensuring a seamless experience for enrollees. Additionally, the agency will work closely with healthcare providers across the state to guarantee that all enrollees have access to high-quality services.
Governor Umo Eno’s administration understands the importance of monitoring and evaluation in ensuring the scheme’s sustainability. Regular assessments will be conducted to ensure that ARISECARE is achieving its intended objectives and delivering on its promise to improve the health outcomes of Akwa Ibom residents. This approach will allow for timely adjustments, ensuring that the scheme remains responsive to the needs of the people.
Once officially launched, ARISECARE will mark a significant leap forward in Akwa Ibom’s journey toward universal health coverage. By reducing out-of-pocket spending on healthcare, the scheme will provide financial protection to citizens, allowing them to access preventive, promotive, and curative services without the fear of financial ruin. This will not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to the overall development of the state by fostering a healthier, more productive populace.
Governor Pastor Umo Eno deserves commendation for championing this groundbreaking initiative. His administration’s commitment to healthcare reform is evident in the swift and strategic steps taken to bring ARISECARE to fruition. The governor’s vision for a state where every citizen has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their economic status, is truly commendable.
As ARISECARE prepares for its official launch on 20th September 2024, the people of Akwa Ibom can look forward to a new era in healthcare delivery. With the leadership of Governor Umo Eno and the dedication of the AKSHIA team, headed by Dr. Edikan Ekwere, ARISECARE is poised to set a benchmark for healthcare financing, not only in Akwa Ibom but across Nigeria.