Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, has urged stakeholders in the State to invest in people’s lives by enrolling the rural dwellers into the state health insurance scheme.
This is even as the Ebonyi State Government has enrolled over 137,000 residents in the state’s health insurance scheme.
Governor Nwifuru, represented by Dr Ekuma Moses, commissioner for health in the state, made the call on Thursday during the year score of Gov Nwifuru on the health insurance scheme ( EBSHIA).
The commissioner who commended the governor for placing the quality health of Ebonyi residents as a top priority in his government emphasised the need for stakeholders to complement the efforts of the governor.
He explained that EBSHIA, which is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s “bible” ” the People’s Charter of Needs, has greatly improved access to free and affordable healthcare services across the state, both for government and non-governmental sectors”.
Divine Igwe, the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Executive Secretary, while briefing journalists, said the program was part of the activities marking Governor Francis Nwifuru’s second year in office.
He explained that a total number of 137,133 individuals were enrolled between 2023 and 2024. This group includes 42,088 children under the age of five, 20,786 pregnant women, 15,644 elderly individuals, and 1,210 persons living with disabilities.
Additionally, 41,783 indigent residents, 8,061 civil servants from the formal sector, and 2,214 individuals from the informal sector were enrolled. Furthermore, 5,347 students benefited from the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP).
He reported that more than 86,000 people became active beneficiaries of the scheme in 2024 alone, receiving a variety of free medical services, including antenatal care, deliveries, immunizations, eye care, surgeries, and disease management.
“The impact has been significant. Our enrollees are receiving quality healthcare without the burden of out-of-pocket payments, thanks to the Governor’s vision and the support from the First Lady’s BERWO initiative,” Igwe stated.
He commended Governor Nwifuru for prioritizing healthcare through consistent support to EBSHIA and policies aimed at assisting vulnerable groups.
Elizabeth Ogbaga, Chairman of the EBSHIA Board, noted that critical gaps in healthcare personnel, equipment, and access had been addressed over the past two yearsFrancis Nwifuru.
Dr. Ekuma revealed that when the administration took office, only seven doctors were available to cover 14 general hospitals. “Today, we have over 40 doctors serving in the Ministry of Health, modern equipment in our hospitals, and an agency dedicated to managing drug procurement and distribution,” he added.