By Victor Nwegede
The Ebonyi State Government has enrolled more than 137,000 residents into the state’s health insurance scheme, significantly enhancing access to free and affordable healthcare services across the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Dr. Divine Igwe, made this known on Thursday during a presentation of his agency’s two-year performance at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, as part of activities marking Governor Francis Nwifuru's second year in office.
According to Dr. Igwe, a total of 137,133 individuals were enrolled between 2023 and 2024. These included 42,088 children under the age of five, 20,786 pregnant women, 15,644 elderly persons, and 1,210 persons living with disabilities. In addition, 41,783 indigent residents were enrolled, along with 8,061 civil servants under the formal sector and 2,214 individuals under the informal sector. Another 5,347 students benefited through the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP).
He disclosed that over 86,000 people became active beneficiaries of the scheme in 2024 alone, receiving various free medical services such as antenatal care, deliveries, immunizations, eye care, surgeries, and disease management, among others.
“The impact has been significant. Our enrollees are receiving quality healthcare without the burden of out-of-pocket payments, thanks to the vision of the Governor and support from the First Lady’s BERWO initiative,” Igwe said.
He praised Governor Nwifuru for prioritizing healthcare through consistent support to EBSHIA and policies targeted at vulnerable groups.
The Chairman of the EBSHIA Board, Barrister Elizabeth Ogbaga, and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, also applauded the state’s efforts, noting that critical gaps in healthcare personnel, equipment, and access had been addressed over the past two years.
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 to manage drug procurement and distribution,” he added.
Labor leaders, including Prof. Egwu Ogugua of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Comrade Chidi Igboji of the Trade Union Congress, alongside the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Ebonyi State Council - Comrade Samson Nwafor also commended the achievements. They urged for further decentralization of the scheme to reach rural communities and called on well-to-do citizens to sponsor health insurance for vulnerable individuals.
The event drew participation from traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and beneficiaries, many of whom shared testimonies of improved healthcare access under the scheme.
With EBSHIA entering its third year of operation, stakeholders expressed confidence that the initiative will continue to transform the health landscape in Ebonyi State.
