The Anambra government Saturday launched a data operation centre and mobile technology health insurance platform to boost universal health coverage in the state.

The UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, and the state commissioner for health, Vincent Okpala, inaugurated the platform and centre in Awka.

The inauguration was part of activities scheduled for Mr Kallon’s two-day working visit to Anambra.

Commenting, Mr Kallon said, “the data operation centre is strategic in making informed decisions and policies to drive better healthcare access to residents.

“The centre meets international best standards, and I want to urge other states to visit Anambra and copy the reforms the state has implemented in the health sector.

“We are impressed with the level of technology being maximised by the state Health Insurance Agency to ensure access to quality healthcare in the state.

“As an International body, we are committed to giving high technical assistance to the state to ensure quality healthcare delivery,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Okpala said the partnership and funding from the World Health Organisation and European Union had helped strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.

According to him, Mr Kallon’s visit is important as he will see the projects carried out through the state’s partnership with the international body and its affiliates, WHO and EU.

He said that the state’s partnership with the UN had yielded many benefits in areas, including healthcare emergency management, financing, policy and governance.

“Your support and funding informed the adoption model of our health financing where the state government enrolled people into the health insurance scheme.

“Also, we now have a data operation centre. We thank you so much for assisting the health system of the state and supporting us in our quest for quicker and easier access to quality healthcare,” the commissioner said.