Akwa Ibom Clinches fastest-growing health agency award

The Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) has emerged winner of the Fastest Growing Agency in Health Care Coverage for 2025.

The recognition came from the Institute of Health Insurance and Managed Care during a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Chairman of the Institute, Dr. Hope Uweja, praised the creation of State Health Insurance Schemes nationwide, calling them crucial to Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“With over eight years in this sector, I can confidently say these state-led initiatives are shaping our future,” Uweja said.

He specifically applauded Akwa Ibom for its aggressive drive in expanding access to health insurance.

According to him, “The growth of State Health Insurance Schemes has become a backbone in Nigeria’s journey towards UHC.”

While congratulating AKSHIA, Uweja commended other states also contributing significantly to health insurance adoption across Nigeria.

Receiving the award on behalf of the agency, Executive Secretary of AKSHIA, Dr. Arthur Igbemi, noted that the scheme launched on September 20, 2024 was designed to ensure affordable healthcare access for all Akwa Ibom residents.

He revealed that under the ARISECare programme, over 47,000 residents have been enrolled.

He added that plans are underway to capture over 52,000 civil servants and their dependents, with a total target of 200,000 beneficiaries.

“Through this programme, we are lowering out-of-pocket health spending and improving economic productivity,” Igbemi stated.

He credited the agency’s success to the firm backing of Governor Umo Eno, noting that health remains a central focus in the governor’s development strategy.

“This success is due to the Governor’s commitment to rural health. His vision enables residents to stay close to home, farm, and earn income,” Igbemi added.

He also outlined ongoing state projects such as the Medical City, emergency service units, and a model Primary Healthcare Centre, some of which were recently inaugurated by the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.

Chairman of the AKSHIA Governing Board, Dr. Edikan Ekwere, expressed delight at the recognition, describing it as a major milestone just six months after the programme’s rollout.

“I am overjoyed. This award confirms we’re on the right track, and I thank God for this achievement,” he said.

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