Anambra State government has urged persons living with HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, TB, to register with the state Health Insurance Agency to receive free treatment and reduce the mortality rate.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who gave the advice yesterday while speaking with newsmen in Awka, said the Anambra Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA, secured support from Global Fund to enable free treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis under the health insurance scheme.
“We had a meeting to re-strategise on how to ensure that residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare.
“I commend the managing director of ASHIA for successfully securing Global Fund’s support for Anambra, which enabled HIV/AIDS and TB treatments to be provided free of charge.
“I am calling on persons living with HIV/AIDS and TB to register with ASHIA to access free healthcare,” the commissioner said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi said the agency would handle the expenses for the patients whenever they seek care at the hospital.
“When a person living with HIV is diagnosed, there are other investigations done to monitor their treatment and they have to pay out of pocket for these health investigations.
“But Global Fund’s support has come to take care of these patients through ASHIA.
“ASHIA will cover the cost of their treatments when they visit the hospital for care.
“I believe this development will promote better health outcomes and help lower the mortality rate,” he said.
