By Daniel Shito And Esther Donald
The Government of Cross River State has flagged off the enrollment of 1,666 vulnerable persons into its Health Insurance Scheme in a program sponsored by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and implemented by the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA).
The scheme is aimed at helping poor and vulnerable residents get quality healthcare without worrying about hospital bills.
With the theme, “Expanding Access. Protecting Lives. Promoting Universal Health Scheme,” was attended by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, officials of the SSDC, and other government officials.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development, SSDC, Engr. Preye Aganaba, said good health is the foundation for development, helps children stay in school, women do their businesses, and older persons live with dignity.
He noted that many families in riverine and hard-to-reach communities delay treatment because of cost and distance but assured that the program will help reduce that burden.
The Executive Director commended Governor Bassey Otu for strengthening primary healthcare and expanding health insurance in Cross River State, and thanked CRSHIA for the partnership.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Finance of SSDC, Amb. Soni Abang, thanked the Governor for taking healthcare seriously from the start and had appointed a seasoned medical doctor to lead the Ministry of Health.
The ED expressed that this is just the beginning, as the Commission will also support the provision of drugs, medical equipment, the construction and renovation of health facilities.
He added that the Commission was created by the President to touch the lives of Nigerians directly.
The Director-General of CRSHIA, Chief Godwin Iyala, said healthcare for all cannot be done by the government alone, positing that the strong must support the weak, and the rich must support the vulnerable.
He said: “The health of a nation is the wealth of a nation,” praising Governor Otu and his wife for putting quality healthcare at the front of his administration, supporting in promoting health insurance in the state and thanked the SSDC for the partnership.
One of the beneficiaries identified only as Mrs. Vivian said she was grateful to be among the 1,666 persons enrolled, expressing that many Cross Riverians like her cannot afford hospital bills, but can now receive free treatment.
She urged other residents to take advantage of the opportunity for their health benefit.
The enrollment is expected to improve access to healthcare and the well-being of beneficiaries across state.
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