By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
No fewer than 2,500 persons have been enrolled for free healthcare insurance in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The initiative was attracted by the Council boss, Stanley Nkwoka s part of activities to mark his 100 days in office.
Flagging off the scheme under Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA), Nkwoka said the free health insurance programme would provide healthcare services coverage for out-patient and in-patient care, maternal and child healthcare, diagnostics tests and procedures, prescription medications and minor surgeries.
He said that the quality and affordable healthcare being pursued is part of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s good governance.
The Council boss pointed out that he capitalized on the loopholes he discovered in the health system, leading to invitation of ASHIA to facilitate registration of enrollees for the health insurance.
He also revealed that the three months old administration as the Executive Chairman effective 4th October 2024 has tackled zero pot hole and zero waste on the roads in the Area.
In addition, he said the provision of an Ambulance vehicle would help the sick in critical condition to get quick access to healthcare and added that the hope of doubling the figure as soon as the internally-generated revenue increases in future.
Also speaking, the ASHIA spokesperson. Dr. Adaeke Okechi appreciated the Council boss for his commitment to the welfare and healthy living of his subjects through adoption and and provision of free and quality health care to the 2,500 persons from 12 wards in the Council Area.
Dr. Okechi who represented ASHIA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi noted that 2,500 boxes are being delivered to the beneficiaries once they get enrolled and issued with identification cards, adding that the 90 percent of the enrollees who couldn’t afford access to health have been adopted by the gesture of the Council boss.
In their remarks, the Speaker of the Idemili North Council Legislature, Hon. Samuel Anikpe and the Supervisor for Health, Dr. Hillary Okeke hailed the Council boss for placing much value in the life of his people and healthy living, describing him as Most health-friendly Mayor in the State.
According to them, the enrollment of 2,500 persons into the health insurance scheme as part of the Council Chairman’s dedication to the welfare of the people would help increase their life span.
The duo observed that the healthcare insurance that gives free access to 2,500 persons who lack access to healthcare, struggle to make ends meet, forced to choose between paying for medical treatment and putting food on the table is a testament to Soludo’s quest to ensure good governance gets to the grassroots level.
