Health
IMSHIA ISSUES PUBLIC DISCLAIMER OVER UNAUTHORIZED RADIO COMMENTARY ON OZIZA FM.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
18- OCT -2025
The Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA) has issued an official public disclaimer following widespread public inquiries regarding a recent radio programme aired on Oziza FM, Owerri, in which one Dr. Perry Njoku reportedly discussed the operations and funding of the agency without authorization.
In a formal statement released on October 18, 2025, and signed by the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike (Ph.D), the agency clarified that Dr. Perry was never mandated to represent IMSHIA or speak on its behalf during the said programme. The agency stated that it was only informed of the broadcast after it had already been aired, prompting the need for immediate clarification to correct the misinformation that followed.
According to the statement, some of the remarks made during the broadcast contained factual inaccuracies, particularly regarding issues of funding, the IMSHIA Act, payroll reductions, and operational procedures. The agency firmly disassociated itself from those statements, emphasizing that they do not represent the official position of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency.
Dr. Ewelike stressed that only authorized representatives of the agency are permitted to issue official statements or provide updates concerning IMSHIA’s implementation processes, programmes, and financial management. He noted that this measure ensures accuracy, accountability, and consistency in information dissemination to the public.
While acknowledging the importance of stakeholder participation and public enlightenment on the agency’s activities, Dr. Ewelike emphasized that any communication on implementation matters must first receive proper authorization from IMSHIA. He further described the unauthorized use of the term “We” by external parties as inappropriate, particularly when used to make unverified or incorrect claims about the agency’s policies and activities.
The Executive Secretary also issued a stern warning to all Health Care Providers associated with the state’s insurance scheme, cautioning that any provider found engaging in similar unauthorized communication will face indefinite suspension, in line with the provisions of the Act establishing IMSHIA.
He reiterated the need for all partners and service providers to respect the established principles of the Provider–Purchaser split, which remains a core tenet of Health Insurance operations and public financial management. This principle, he noted, is designed to maintain the integrity of healthcare financing and the proper delineation of responsibilities between service providers and the agency.
Dr. Ewelike also appealed to media houses to uphold professionalism and due diligence when hosting programmes that involve discussions on government agencies. He urged them to verify the authenticity and authorization of their guests before airing public statements that could misrepresent official government policies or mislead the public.
The statement concluded with a reassurance that IMSHIA remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering transparent, efficient, and people-centered health insurance services to the people of Imo State, in line with the vision of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all.
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