By Israel Mbam
Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme has enrolled another batch of over 10,000 pregnant women into free health insurance program. The wife of the Governor, announced this at the flag-off ceremony held at the Women Development Centre Abakaliki.
The free medical health service was in collaboration between the State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) and the First Lady’s pet project, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) Foundation.
Mrs. Nwifuru described the intervention as a crucial health and social protection effort. In her words;
“The enrollment ensures that every enrolled woman receives antenatal care, delivery services, postnatal care, and emergency medical attention, all fully covered under the state health insurance plan,” Mrs. Nwifuru stated.
She further emphasized the administration’s commitment to delivery of inclusive health services to all Ebonyians
“We are expanding the circle of care, which enrols 10,000 pregnant women across the 171 wards of Ebonyi State, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no mother dies while giving life and no child is denied a chance to live healthy because of poverty.”
She encouraged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity by registering and diligently attending their antenatal appointments.
Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Divine Igwe, noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with the goal of Universal Health Coverage and the Charter of Needs mantra of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration.
Dr. Igwe also mentioned that over 4,098 other persons, including women and the elderly, had previously been enrolled in the scheme. He assured the public that the agency would actively track the new enrollees to ensure they all obtain safe delivery.
The event featured goodwill messages from Development Partners and was attended by key state officials, including the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, members of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Board members of EBSHIA, leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Media among others attendees.
