Enugu State Government has enrolled no fewer than 200,000 residents in its universal health insurance coverage scheme. This is their effort towards ensuring quality and affordable healthcare in state.
This was disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday by Prof Ikechukwu Obi, the Commissioner for Health.
Prof. Obi revealed that the enrolment figures include those directly registered by the state government, as well as those enrolled by generous philanthropists on behalf of their indigent community members.
The initiative aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to all, especially the most vulnerable populations, in well-equipped neighbourhood health facilities.
Prof Obi stated that its free for everybody. “Enrolment is open for everyone, and we are committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare to indigent residents,” Obi stated.
He further explained that the philanthropists and public-spirited individuals could enrol people by paying with N12,000 annually.
This fee covers health expenses in any participating hospital and Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in the state for a year.
The health commissioner highlighted that the majority of the individuals directly enrolled by the government include Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals.
The state wide enrolment of PWDs is ongoing, along with other segments of society.
Prof. Obi also announced the imminent launch of the Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme, which will enrol civil and public servants.
“Within a few days, we are going to launch the Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme, involving civil and public servants,” he said.
The Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage is gradually expanding the program, ensuring that funds and provisions are available for all segments of residents enrolled in the scheme.
The agency’s goal is to provide long-term, high-quality healthcare services to all enrolees.
