ASHIA hold sensitization program for Idemili South workers

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has urged Idemili South Local Government (IDSLG) staff to embrace the scheme saying that the programme was meant to improve the welfare of workers.

It would be recalled that Anambra state Health Insurance scheme an initiative of the Governor Willie Obiano led administration kicked off via legislative process late 2018 with the registration of state civil servants.

ASHIA recently embarked on a sensitization programme for the local government employees on the benefits of the healthcare package.

Speaking to IDSLG employees at the secretariat, Ojoto, the ASHIA facilitator, Mr. Anizor Donatus said that ASHIA was set up by Governor Obiano to ensure that Ndi Anambra both indigenes and residents have access to affordable healthcare.

“We want you as Local Government staff to adopt it and accept it. It is not just for your good but also that of your family members.

He said that the scheme requires a counterpart funding of 10 percent from state government and 5 percent of the principal’s/Employees basic salary to access healthcare including five dependants.

Mr. Anizor said “government has already offered certain percentage of increase in salary by any person who registered, to be complemented with 5 percent of your basic salary not gross salary”.

“The employer (principal),the spouse and four of the person’s children (dependants) making it six persons who are to enjoy healthcare from 5 percent of one person’s salary. It is very beneficial”, he said.

During the interactive sessions many question and disputations arose in resentment to the scheme. Several workers voiced their dislike to the scheme saying it would cut down on their meager salary.

Questions like if one was still single, widow or widower, childless or have children who has grown to have their families, what percentage would be deducted from the person’s salary?

Moreover, the Head of Department, Education and Social welfare, Dr kngsley Ozodi suggested to the ASHIA facilitator that having heard about the programme the workers would have recourse to their Union before given any reply.

However, the Ag Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mrs. Nwankwo Virginia placated the workers by telling them that the ASHIA facilitator was not in the position to supply all the answers to their questions.