Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) says it has enrolled no fewer than 4,000 pregnant women across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state into its health insurance scheme.
Dr Divine Igwe, the agency’s Executive Secretary, said this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen after an enrolment exercise in Ohaukwu LGA.
Igwe said the exercise was in collaboration with the state governor’ s wife pet project–Better Life for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation.
“The beneficiaries will access free health services such as ante natal care and child delivery services including those that involves 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,” he said.
The executive secretary said that 51,800 persons have been enrolled into the programme after the governor approved the enrollment of the formal sector.
“The governor, during a summit by the agency on Nov.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 that access to a wide range of healthcare services, including Ante Natal and child delivery services among others,” he said.
He 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.
Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, Team Lead of the governor’s wife pet project lauded EBSHIA for its intervention, saying that such had improved the wellbeing 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 said.
Mrs Promise Chukwuka, one of the beneficiaries thanked the state government for the scheme and called for the enrolment of more women. (NAN)
