The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) on Thursday took its enrolment sensitization programme to several Local Government Areas in Ebonyi North Zone as part of efforts to deepen awareness and participation in the state’s health insurance scheme.
The sensitization tour, led by the Board Member representing Ebonyi North Zone in EBSHIA, Mrs. Joy Nwifuru-Fidelis, covered Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas.
Members of the entourage included Hon. Ugbodo Ndubuisi, Hon. Rev. Fr. James Nwofoke, Hon. Henry Chukwu and Hon. Mrs. Tobias Okwuru, among others.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, Mrs. Nwifuru-Fidelis explained that the enrolment sensitization programme was designed to drive widespread participation in the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme and to educate residents on its numerous benefits.
According to her, the programme is aimed at ensuring that residents across the state can access affordable and quality healthcare services, while also advancing the goal of universal health coverage.
“The sensitization programme is meant to protect families and individuals from the financial hardship associated with large medical bills and to significantly reduce high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses,” she said.
She outlined the key objectives of the initiative to include public awareness and education, encouragement of early registration, financial risk protection, inclusivity and equity, addressing misconceptions about health insurance, facilitating registration logistics and improving overall public health outcomes in the state.
Mrs. Nwifuru-Fidelis commended the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and making medical services affordable for all residents of the state.
She noted that the present administration has ensured that vulnerable groups such as children under five, pregnant women, indigent persons, people living with disabilities and those living with HIV/AIDS are enrolled into the scheme and provided with free or highly subsidized healthcare through government and partner-supported initiatives.
The EBSHIA board member also praised the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for prioritizing the welfare of women and children in the state.
“She has encouraged community leaders, philanthropists and organizations to sponsor the enrollment of residents within their communities to broaden coverage,” she said.
“She has also given pregnant women the confidence to access healthcare and go for delivery without fear, as packages are provided to them after childbirth. Her Excellency is truly the mother of the state.”
Mrs. Nwifuru-Fidelis added that the enrolment sensitization programme enjoys the full support of the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, whom she described as committed to ensuring that the agency’s mandate receives priority attention across the state.
