Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) has donated laptop computers and tablet devices to healthcare facilities across the state to strengthen data collection and improve healthcare service delivery.
The donation formed part of activities marking the agency’s second anniversary and is aimed at enhancing digital data management in primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities across the 31 local government areas of the state.
The anniversary celebration attracted healthcare practitioners from public and private hospitals as well as government officials, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, Chairman of the Health Insurance Board, Dr. Edikan Ekwere, and the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Igbemi Arthur Igbemi.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health praised Governor Umo Eno for establishing the health insurance agency to expand access to affordable healthcare for residents.
According to him, the agency has made remarkable progress within two years, with more than 20,230 residents already enrolled in the health insurance scheme.
“The governor came with a vision, he promised that healthcare will be accessible to all, his most ambitious intervention has been building new Primary Healthcare Centres across the state,” he said.
The commissioner also commended the agency’s achievements and urged healthcare workers to remain committed to their duties by showing dedication, empathy and professionalism while avoiding truancy.
Chairman of the Health Insurance Board, Dr. Edikan Ekwere, described the anniversary as an opportunity to appreciate healthcare partners who have supported the agency’s growth.
He disclosed that more than 20 laptop computers and 10 tablets were presented to healthcare facilities to strengthen data collection and reporting.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to greater achievements in the years ahead in line with the vision of the Arise Agenda to make quality and affordable healthcare accessible to all residents of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Dr. Ekwere also commended the Executive Secretary, Dr. Igbemi Arthur Igbemi, for his dedication and leadership since the agency was established.
In his welcome address, Dr. Igbemi said the second anniversary focused on improving the agency’s capacity to deliver efficient services through better data management.
He explained that the laptops and tablets would help health facilities collect, process and manage information more effectively, leading to better planning and improved healthcare services across the state.
The Executive Secretary also appreciated heads of healthcare facilities for their continued support and collaboration, saying their partnership has contributed significantly to the agency’s steady growth.
He stressed the importance of strengthening data management systems to support evidence-based planning and decision-making in the health sector.
Medical superintendents of general hospitals, heads of primary healthcare centres and management staff of the agency attended the event.
