Anachina’s death: AGN advocates health insurance for Nollywood actors

Marshal Johnson, the north-east regional vice-president, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has called for the enrolment of more artistes in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to reduce recurring deaths.

Johnson spoke with the NAN in Lagos while reacting to the death of Chukwudi Anachina, the guild’s press secretary.

Anachina died on June 16 during a long battle with cancer. His death came a few days after the passing of a reggae icon, Ras Kimono.

According to Johnson, the health insurance policy already in place for the artistes will help in reducing deaths among them.

He said: “Most times when actors or actresses have given much to the development of the industry, upon retirement, they are left alone to handle their responsibilities.

“This usually comes at a time when they are old and less productive and have little or nothing to take care of their health.

“The trauma, desperation and tension associated with this actually make life very difficult for them, break down their immune system and expose them to diseases.

“That is why we have put in place an insurance scheme to help assist and provide for our members, even at the later days of their lives.”

Commenting, Emeka Rollas, the president of the guild, advised his members to continue to take advantage of the health insurance scheme to guide against unforeseen circumstances.

Rollas said the guild would give the deceased a befitting burial in view of the contributions he made to the growth of the guild in his capacity as a national executive member.

He said: “We have suffered another loss in the industry and we have set up a committee to commence burial arrangement for our late colleague, Anachina.

“His death is a national issue and will be treated as such. All the national and state executive members will be fully involved in the burial plans.”