. DR UCHENNA EWELIKE MARKS TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP IN IMO STATE HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY - Crystalnewsonline

Breaking

Post Top Ad

Responsive Ads Here

Post Top Ad

Responsive Ads Here

Monday, February 3, 2025

. DR UCHENNA EWELIKE MARKS TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP IN IMO STATE HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY



By Tochukwu Ibeh

TA to ES/CEO, IMSHIA


Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), has marked his two-year anniversary in office with a celebration of his remarkable achievements in advancing healthcare access and quality through the effective implementation of health insurance in Imo State.


Under his visionary leadership, IMSHIA has witnessed unprecedented growth in visibility, enrollment coverage, stakeholder engagement, and improved access to care. His tenure in office has been characterized by pragmatic policies that have expanded healthcare financing and strengthened healthcare service delivery in the state.


The second-anniversary celebration which held on the 30th of January 2025 was graced by stakeholders in the Imo health sector, healthcare providers, civil society groups, labor union leaders, media professionals, bloggers, friends, and family. All attendees lauded Dr. Ewelike’s exemplary leadership and dedication to improving access to healthcare in Imo State through health insurancImplementation 


Since his appointment by His Excellency, Dist. Sen. (Dr.) Hope Uzodimma, Dr. Uche Ewelike  has redefined the administrative and leadership landscape of IMSHIA. He has provided the technical capacity and strategic direction necessary for the seamless implementation of health insurance in the state.


At the anniversary event, Dr. Ewelike reaffirmed his commitment to the agency’s mission, stating:  

*"Two years ago, we set out to revolutionize healthcare access in Imo State. Today, I am proud to say we have made remarkable progress in ensuring that healthcare is no longer a privilege but a right for all."*


Dr Ewelike who extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Governor of Imo State, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma  for the opportunity and platform presented a comprehensive scorecard detailing his administration’s significant accomplishments within two years to wit:


1. Successfully enrolled 84,995 vulnerable individuals across the three senatorial zones into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in two enrollment phases.

2. Completed the empaneling and activation of 37,323 civil servants, enabling access to care under the Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Program (FSSHIP), fully funded by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

3. Enrolled an additional 40,000 vulnerable residents, expanding healthcare coverage for the most underserved populations.

4. Provided 5,000 underprivileged pregnant women with comprehensive maternal healthcare, including free childbirth services.

5. Engagement of NLC, JNC, TUC, NUT Imo Chapter to secure broad-based support for the sustainability of the implementation of Health Insurance scheme for Imo workers.

6. Hosted a Town Hall Meeting with the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health on the impact of BHCPF implementation in Imo State.

7. Established a state-of-the-art data management centre for seamless e-Claims processing and advanced data analytics.

8. Created an enrollment centre for a seamless enrollment process. Fully equipped and operationalized.

9. Created four IMSHIA zones and an innovative referral system to enhance emergency healthcare responses.

10. Revamped and expanded the Imo-TISHIP program for students in state-owned higher institutions.

11. Facilitated over 1,771 specialist care referrals, including surgical interventions and cesarean sections.

12. Supported over 3,000 successful births, both normal deliveries and C-sections.

13. Managed and treated over 377,000 medical cases, including minor and major eye surgeries.

14. Designed and launched the ImoCare Health Insurance Program, extending coverage to those in the informal sector.

15. Secured the endorsement and adoption of the ImoCare Health Insurance Program by politicians and philanthropists through sustained advocacy.

16. Expanded the informal Sector population enrollment through adoption by LGAs.

17. Developed the i-DRG system, an innovative and efficient healthcare provider payment mechanism.

18. Designed the first Justiceable Imo Service Level Agreement with Healthcare Providers on quality of care.

19. Conducted certified training and retraining of 305 primary healthcare workers, equipping them with life-saving skills for pregnant women, children under five, adolescents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

20. Revamped utilization of PHCs, hitherto poorly utilized facilities. Now a beehive of activities, a synergy with Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.


These outstanding contributions to healthcare reform have earned Dr Uchenna Ewelike several prestigious awards, including:

1. Arise Africa Leadership Award and Excellence in Public Service

2. Prestigious Motivational Award as Most Consolidated Personality by Metjestin Youth Empowerment Initiative

3. Personality Award by Imo Development Community, sponsored by Statesman's Newspaper

4. Award of Honour for Excellence in Service by Hero Express.


Looking ahead, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike has reiterated his commitment to expanding health insurance coverage, improving healthcare outcomes, and ensuring financial protection for all beneficiaries in Imo State.


His two-year tenure has firmly positioned IMSHIA as a beacon of healthcare reform, setting a precedent for other states in Nigeria. His leadership is rapidly transforming Imo State into a healthcare destination for health insurance implementation in the country.


Imo State Health Insurance Agency Imo State New Media Tochukwu Ibeh


No comments:

Post a Comment

Post Top Ad

Responsive Ads Here