Dr. Onyemaechi Urge OICs to Train Staff on BHCPF Procedures

By Okafor Chisom

The Managing Director of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, has called on Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) to educate their staff on the procedures of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Dr. Onyemaechi expressed concern that some nurses at PHCs lack knowledge of BHCPF operations, making them unable to provide care to enrollees in the absence of the OIC.

He made this appeal during a two-day validation exercise with OICs held at the ASHIA office in Awka.

Highlighting the importance of proper documentation, Dr. Onyemaechi emphasized that patient encounter forms must always be accessible at healthcare facilities. He also directed that referrals should be meticulously documented and enrollees should be referred to the nearest secondary healthcare facilities when necessary.

Furthermore, the MD instructed OICs to procure only drugs listed in the official drug list provided by the agency. He warned that any facility found violating this directive would face consequences as per ASHIA’s policy.

Dr. Onyemaechi also mandated that OICs ensure at least one staff member is always available to provide services to BHCPF enrollees, ensuring uninterrupted care delivery.

Okafor Chisom is with the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.