By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki (Opinion)
More than 137,133 beneficiaries of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme on Tuesday endorsed Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for a second term in office, citing his administration’s healthcare interventions as one of the most impactful achievements of his government.
The beneficiaries, made up largely of nursing mothers, pregnant women, children and other enrollees of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), turned out in large numbers for a solidarity walk and endorsement rally held in Abakaliki.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, said the endorsement was a demonstration of gratitude by beneficiaries whose lives had been positively affected by the governor’s healthcare policies.
According to him, over 137,133 Ebonyians are currently enrolled in the health insurance scheme, representing an increase of more than 429 percent since Governor Nwifuru assumed office.
He disclosed that beneficiaries had recorded over 394,387 hospital visits and received more than 478,607 healthcare services without the financial burden that previously prevented many families from accessing medical care.
Dr. Igwe particularly highlighted the enrolment of 31,051 pregnant women into the scheme, noting that more than 28,000 of them had delivered their babies free of charge under the programme.
He said the governor’s commitment to healthcare had saved thousands of families from catastrophic medical expenses and significantly improved access to quality healthcare across the state.
“Today, on behalf of over 137,133 beneficiaries of the scheme across the 171 wards of Ebonyi State, we proudly and wholeheartedly endorse Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for a second term in office,” he declared.
The EBSHIA boss described the governor as a compassionate leader who had restored hope to thousands of families through affordable and accessible healthcare services.
Represented at the event by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, Governor Nwifuru expressed appreciation to the beneficiaries for the endorsement and overwhelming show of support.
He said the large turnout had strengthened his resolve to work harder and expand healthcare coverage to ensure that every family in the state benefits from the scheme.
“I have seen an organisation and a body of people that are genuine. If you get it right in the health sector, you have gotten it right. I am going to work harder to make sure that every family is captured,” he said.
The governor also announced a donation of N10 million in support of the beneficiaries and participants at the rally.
The endorsement rally attracted nursing mothers, pregnant women, children, healthcare providers and other stakeholders in the state’s health sector, who pledged continued support for the governor’s administration.