By Amaka Okafor
The Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency , Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, has thrown his weight behind the second-term bid of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, declaring that the governor’s remarkable achievements in the health sector have earned him the confidence and endorsement of thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
Dr. Igwe made the declaration on Wednesday in Abakaliki township stadium during the 10,000 Beneficiaries Solidarity Walk and Endorsement Rally held in honour of Governor Nwifuru, saying the massive turnout was a voluntary demonstration of appreciation by beneficiaries whose lives had been positively impacted by the administration’s healthcare policies.
Speaking on behalf of EBSHIA, accredited healthcare providers, development partners and over 137,133 beneficiaries of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme, the agency boss said the governor had transformed healthcare delivery through unprecedented investments in Universal Health Coverage, making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to residents.
According to him, enrolment into the health insurance scheme has grown by over 429 per cent since Governor Nwifuru assumed office, while beneficiaries have recorded more than 394,387 hospital visits and received over 478,607 healthcare services without suffering the financial burden that previously prevented many families from accessing medical care.
“It is worthy of note that 31,051 pregnant women have been enrolled into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme through the support and commitment of His Excellency. As I speak today, over 28,000 of these women have safely delivered their babies completely free of charge under the Scheme,” Dr. Igwe stated.
He added, “Because of the compassion and visionary leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, more than 28,000 babies are alive today, and thousands of mothers returned home safely after childbirth without paying the enormous costs of maternity care. This is not just healthcare; this is the preservation of families, the protection of mothers and the gift of life.”
Igwe further disclosed that beyond maternal healthcare, the insurance scheme has continued to provide treatment for patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes, malaria, sickle cell disease, hernia, fibroid, appendicitis, eye diseases and several other medical conditions. He noted that civil servants and their families now enjoy access to quality healthcare without financial hardship, describing health insurance as one of the strongest pillars of the People’s Charter of Needs.
Commending Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, Dr. Igwe said every successful surgery, every life saved, every child treated and every family protected from catastrophic medical bills stand as evidence of a compassionate administration that has prioritised the welfare of its people. He assured that EBSHIA would continue expanding health insurance coverage in line with its 2030 Vision until every household in Ebonyi State has access to quality healthcare.
The agency boss concluded by formally endorsing Governor Nwifuru for a second term on behalf of the EBSHIA family and beneficiaries across the 171 wards of the state. “Today, these beneficiaries have become your ambassadors. Their testimonies are your campaign. Their healed bodies are your achievements. Their gratitude is your endorsement,” he declared, while praying for God’s continued wisdom, strength and good health upon the governor as he continues to lead Ebonyi State.
