By Israel Mbam
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has said his administration through the excellent work of the State Health insurance scheme has significantly improved maternal and infant health in the State. He stated this in a press conference organised by EBSHIA on Thursday, 22 May 2025 at Women Development Centre, Abakaliki to roll out the achievements of the Governor through the agency within his two years in office.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ikenna Ekuma, the Governor noted that there was a total improvement in health sector of the state under his administration.
“Before we assumed office, there were no drugs, no ambulances for referrals, and insurance coverage was poor. As we speak, our primary health centres now have what it takes to care for patients.
“Before this administration, only about 34,000 people were enrolled in the health insurance scheme, but within two years, that figure has increased to over 137,000.
“We cannot talk about universal health coverage without mentioning health insurance because most of our people cannot afford healthcare services. With this scheme, enrollees access free healthcare, which has increased enrollment and the number of women registering for antenatal care, thereby reducing maternal mortality.
“Her Excellency also keyed into this vision by enrolling sickle cell patients under the scheme. Through the health insurance programme, we have adopted community initiatives, and the agency has secured global funds to enroll HIV-positive patients. These enrollees can also access treatment for other health conditions.”
The Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, said the Agency has enrolled over 14,000 persons living with HIV into the State Health insurance scheme, with a target of reaching about 29,000 beneficiaries. Dr. Igwe while giving details of the achievements of the scheme under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, attributed the laudable progress made by the agency to strategic partnerships, including funding support from global health organizations.
“We have accessed partnerships from global funds, which enabled us to begin enrolling more persons living with HIV. So far, over 14,000 have been enrolled, and we’re targeting 29,000,” he said.
Dr. Igwe noted that under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, enrollment in the health insurance scheme rose from 34,000 to 137,333 between 2023 and 2024. The current figure includes children under five (42,088), pregnant women (20,786), people with disabilities (1,210), indigents (41,783), informal sector workers (2,214), and tertiary institution staff (5,347). Active enrollment in 2024 alone stands at 86,000.
These figures, he said, reflect the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access across the state.
Earlier in her remarks, Chairman of EBSHIA Board, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga, described the scheme as one of the most impactful programmes in the state.
In her words, “We are proud of what EBSHIA has achieved. The commitment of the agency’s staff and board is commendable,”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Emeka Philip Ovuoba, confirmed that PHCs across the state are being revitalized to improve rural access to healthcare.
Accessing the impact of EBSHIA, the Traditional Ruler of Amechi Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogu Nwokeocha, praised the initiative, noting that the health insurance scheme is reaching the grassroots and transforming healthcare delivery.
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi State, Professor Ogugua Egwu, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Chidi Igboji, commended the agency for its far-reaching impact, particularly on workers.
“The agency has touched lives across all sectors, including civil servants and students. From appendectomies to eye and hernia surgeries, we have witnessed firsthand the transformation it has brought,” they said.
Speaking on behalf of civil society organizations, coordinator of civil society network, Mr. Oliver Ajah described the Nwifuru-led government as “people-oriented,” commending its inclusive approach to governance.
Sharing their experiences, Over 20 beneficiaries of the scheme shared personal testimonies of how the scheme has impacted their lives. Among them were Aloke Precious and Okoro Jacob, who underwent successful hernia surgeries; civil servants Anyigor Alphonsus and Mathew Izuchukwu, who received treatment for hernia and eye conditions; and Okoro Somotochukwu, Ogbonna Fastina, and Igwe Hannah, all sickle cell patients who benefited from the programme.
Others include Adoke Precious, Nnaji Chioma Cynthia, Alegu Mary Chinwe, and Aleke Celine, recounted how they delivered their babies free of charge under the scheme.
The event which had in attendance over forty media also had in attendance members of EBSHIA Board and other stakeholders in the State health care sector