Mrs Nwifuru enrolls 200 sickle cell patients into health insurance scheme

Mrs Nwifuru enrolls 200 sickle cell patients into health insurance scheme

The Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) Foundation, founded by the wife of Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, enrolls 200 sickle cell patients into the state Health Insurance Scheme.

The Founder of the foundation, Mrs Nwifuru, at an event in Abakaliki on Tuesday, reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to ensure that vulnerable citizens have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Nwifuru, represented by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma, said the commitment was through strategic partnerships and impactful interventions.

“The BERWO foundation remains committed to improving the health and well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations across Ebonyi.

“Persons living with sickle cell disorder face enormous health and financial challenges due to the lifelong nature of the condition.

“Access to quality healthcare should never be determined by one’s financial status,” she said.

The governor’s wife said that enrolment of the 200 beneficiaries into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) was aimed at reducing the financial burden of medical care on affected families.

“This is to ensure that the beneficiaries receive timely and quality healthcare services whenever the need arises,” she said.

She noted that the initiative aligned  with the healthcare vision of Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s administration slogan, “the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda”.

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“I encourage the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by attending regular medical checks, adhering to prescribed treatments and embracing healthy lifestyles,” she said.

The BERWO Foundation Team Lead, Prof. Nkechi Emma–Echiegu, commended Mrs Nwifuru for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to improve the lives of vulnerable people.

The Chairman of the EBSHIA Board, Mrs Elizabeth Ogbaga, applauded Mrs Nwifuru and the BERWO foundation for their sustained partnership with the agency, which has significantly expanded health insurance across Ebonyi.

“This expansion has captured pregnant women, children, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” she said.

The Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr Divine Igwe, enlightened the newly enrolled beneficiaries on the agency’s registration and utilisation guidelines.

Igwe explained that adherence to the laid-down procedures would guarantee seamless access to quality healthcare services.

“I encourage beneficiaries to report any challenges encountered while accessing services through the appropriate EBSHIA complaint and feedback channels,” he said.

Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that highlight of the event was the formal.presentation of the enrolment items to the 200 beneficiaries.