By Okechukwu Okechukwu
Anambra State government, Friday, said that some health workers in the State were not fully paid their October salaries over absenteeism, lateness and other sundry breach of works ethics.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who disclosed this in Awka while interacting with some journalists, explained that the State government introduced technologically driven clock-in device that provides data of workers attendance and performance.
According to him, the State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has also approved recruitment of additional 500 health workers to operate across the 21 Local Government Areas, even as there is ongoing renovation of 17 general hospitals, building of new hospitals and primary health centres.
He said that some general hospitals were being equipped with blood bank hubs, 326 solar power system and other equipments.
The Health commissioner while dismissing the allegations that the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) was folding up, announced that the agency has added prostrate problems, ovary related issues and others as parts of what enrolees would enjoy for just ₦12,000 annual renewal fee.
"We are making government hospitals to become more operational and accessible to all. We have deployed residents doctors, health workers and equipment to most of them. ASHIA is topnotch. The ASHIA beneficiaries have options of using the government or private hospitals close to them. It is very affordable yet provides efficient health services. It is still ₦12,000 up-to-date.
"Over 8 States have come to learn how we are doing it. Five State governors have written to us about it. The Managing Director of the Agency is currently addressing a virtual conference holding at Canada. The WHO recently recognised Anambra State as the best in adoption model. We have enrollees from both formal and informal sectors, including tricycle and motorcycle operators," he added.