Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, EBSHIA, Thursday took its enrolment sensitization programme to various Local Government Areas across Ebonyi North zone of the State.
The team, which was led by the Board Member, representing Ebonyi North Zone in EBSHIA, Mrs. Joy Nwifuru-Fidelis, visited Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu LGAs for the sensitization exercise.
In her entourage was Hon. Ugbodo Ndubuisi, Hon. Rev. Fr. James Nwofoke, Hon. Henry Chukwu, Hon. Mrs Tobias Okwuru among others.
Addressing newsmen in Abakaliki, the Board Member representing Ebonyi North zone in EBSHIA, Mrs. Joy Nwifuru-Fidelis explained that the purpose of the enrollment sensitization programme by EBSHIA was to drive widespread participation in the State’s health insurance scheme.
She further added that another purpose of the sensitization campaign was to ensure that residents are aware of its benefits and can access affordable, quality healthcare, thereby achieving universal health coverage.
According to her, the key objectives of the programme include: awareness and education, encourage early registration, financial risk protection, inclusivity and equity, address misconceptions, facilitate registration logistics and improve overall public health.
“This sensitization programme is meant to protect families and individuals from the financial hardship of large medical bills and reduce high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.”
She appreciated Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, for his contributions towards improving the health conditions of Ebonyi people by making healthcare affordable to all and sundry.
“Our Governor has ensured that the vulnerable populations, such as children under five, pregnant women, the indigent, persons with disabilities, and people living with HIV/AIDS, are enrolled and have access to free or highly subsidized care, often through special government or partner-funded initiatives.”
She also used the opportunity to commend the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru for giving women and children a pride of place in the present administration.
“Her Excellency has been able to encourage community leaders, philanthropists, and organizations to sponsor the enrollment of others in their communities to broaden coverage.
“She has given pregnant women the courage to go for delivery without any form of fear as she has ensured that packages are given to them after child birth. Her Excellency is indeed the mummy of the State.”
She said the initiative of the enrollment sensitization programme has the backing of the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, who is always making sure that the mandate of EBSHIA is given priority attention in the State.