Officials of Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Agency during the launch of the scheme for tertiary institutions
Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Agency has pledged readiness to expand coverage to tertiary institutions of higher learning in a bid to provide accessible healthcare services to all.
The insurance scheme launched in 2024 has so far enrolled more than 180,000 people in Akwa Ibom State.
Executive Secretary of the Agency, Igbemi Arthur, made this known while launching the agency’s Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) at the Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences, covering its Eket and Oron campuses .
He noted that “TISHIP will provide students with access to outpatient consultations, essential medications, laboratory investigations, emergency care and referral services through accredited healthcare facilities.’
According to him, the Agency will continue the rollout of TISHIP to other tertiary institutions across Akwa Ibom State and encouraged institutions yet to enroll to key into the scheme.
He said a broader participation would accelerate the attainment of Universal Health Coverage and foster healthier learning environments throughout the state
Also speaking, Edikan Ekwerre, the Senior Special Assistant on Health Insurance to Governor Umo Eno, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at safeguarding student health and promoting uninterrupted academic pursuits.
Ekwere emphasized that access to affordable and quality healthcare is critical to academic excellence, particularly for students undergoing rigorous professional training in nursing and other health-related disciplines.
He noted that the “rollout of TISHIP reflects the state government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and protecting residents from the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.”
In her address, the Provost of the College, Ekaete Akan commended AKSHIA and the state government for extending the health insurance scheme to the institution’s campuses.
She described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that a healthy student population is fundamental to improved academic performance and professional competence.
The provost assured the agency of the institution’s full cooperation to guarantee smooth enrollment and effective implementation.
Students, who witnessed the launch expressed optimism that the programme would ease financial pressures associated with healthcare while ensuring prompt medical attention when needed.
The launch marks another milestone in Akwa Ibom State’s drive to provide accessible, affordable and efficient healthcare services for all residents, particularly the youth population in higher institutions.
The Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) was launched at the Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences, covering its Eket and Oron campuses.
