By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) says it has enrolled about 4,000 pregnant women across the 13 Local Government Areas in its health insurance scheme.
Dr Divine Igwe, the agency’s Executive Secretary announced this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen after its enrolment exercise in Ohaukwu LGA of the state.
Igwe noted that 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 involve medical operations.
“This is however not an encouragement for increased pregnancy as most of the women were already 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,”
The executive secretary said that a total of 51,800 persons have been enrolled into the programme.
“The governor during a summit by the agency in November last year, 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 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 noted that 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.”
Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, Team Lead of the governor’s wife pet project lauded EBSHIA for its intervention, noting that it had improved the wellbeing of women and children.
“We realise that the newborns still need to be catered-for and we urge well-meaning individuals and organisations to sponsor their enrolment.
“The insurance scheme testifies the giant strides of the governor in the health sector which has ensured improved service delivery.”
Mrs Favour Agbo, one of the beneficiaries thanked the state government for the scheme and called for the enrolment of more women due to its inherent benefits.
