Agency
The Ebonyi State Government says no fewer than 4, 000 pregnant women across the 13 Local Government Areas have been enrolled into its Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.
This was revealed by the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr Divine Igwe in Abakaliki, the state capital, while briefing newsmen after an enrolment exercise in Ohaukwu LGA.
He explained that the exercise was in collaboration with the Better Life for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation, a pet project of the governor’s wife.
“The beneficiaries will access free health services such as antenatal care and child delivery services including those that involve medical operations.
“This is, however, not an encouragement for increased pregnancy as most of the women were pregnant before being enrolled.
“The enrolment covers a one-year period and it is expected that couples should be aware of the harsh economic conditions to plan their families,” Igwe added.
The executive secretary noted that 51,800 persons have been enrolled on the programme after the governor approved the enrollment of the formal sector.
He said, “The governor, during a summit by the agency on November 17, 2023, announced that the government would bankroll the enrolment of the state’s civil servants and we have duly completed their enrolment.
“This has tremendously aided the expansion of enrollment coverage to more residents of the state as we are resolute in improving service delivery to beneficiaries.
“We have partnered with more healthcare providers in the state to ensure access to a wide range of healthcare services, including antenatal care and child delivery services among others.”
Igwe said the agency had enhanced its benefit packages, which include additional services such as dental care, mental health services and maternity care.
“We have embraced digital technology to streamline our operations and improve efficiency.
“We have implemented a digital platform for enrollment, claims processing and member communication, making it easier for our beneficiaries to access and utilise their health insurance benefits.
“We have also conducted several community outreach and health education campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of health insurance,” he said.
The Team Lead of the governor’s wife’s pet project, Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, lauded EBSHIA, for its intervention, saying that it will improve the well-being of women and children in the state.
“We realise that newborns still need to be catered for and we urge well-meaning individuals and organisations to sponsor their enrolment.
“The insurance scheme testifies to the giant strides of the governor in the health sector, which has ensured improved service delivery,” she added.
(NAN)
