By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has officially flagged off the enrolment of 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme at no cost to beneficiaries, marking a major milestone in the state’s march toward universal health coverage.
The launch, held during the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) Conference in Abakaliki, was supported by the Global Fund, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, described the initiative as an epoch-making intervention and a bold statement of compassion and inclusion aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all Ebonyians.
“No Ebonyian should be denied healthcare because of financial barriers. This enrollment guarantees that people living with HIV can access quality care at all levels without paying at the point of service,” Igwe stated.
To prevent stigma and discrimination, Dr. Igwe assured participants that the ID cards issued to PLHIV are identical to those of other enrollees.
“There will be no special markings or identifiers. Everyone is treated with equal dignity, and all personal data is encrypted and protected,” he emphasized.
The EBSHIA boss further revealed that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has partnered with the agency to facilitate easy registration and issuance of National Identification Numbers (NINs) to beneficiaries during the enrolment exercise.
He reaffirmed his personal commitment to ensuring that no Ebonyian dies because of the inability to pay hospital bills, and called on stakeholders and beneficiaries to support the smooth implementation of the programme.
Early data from the Global Fund Project showed that out of the 29,000-targeted beneficiaries, 2,162 persons have already been enrolled, with recorded medical successes including 10 safe deliveries, four hernia surgeries, one fibroid operation, and three successful eye surgeries.
In his goodwill message, the Coordinator of NEPWAN, Comrade Chukwuma Nwafor, described the programme as extraordinary and unprecedented, lauding Governor Nwifuru’s administration for providing free medical services without demanding any payment.
“This is a lifeline for our members. It is now left for us to take full advantage of these services,” he said.
