By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) alongside over 137,000 beneficiaries of its health insurance programme, has endorsed Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for a second term in office, citing his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
The endorsement rally began at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, where participants displayed placards bearing the governor’s portrait. Led by the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA and other agency officials, the supporters marched to Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, venue of the endorsement event.
In separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, and the Chairman of the EBSHIA Board, Barr. Ogechi Ogbaga, commended Governor Nwifuru for prioritising healthcare development in Ebonyi State.
They noted that through its interventions, EBSHIA has helped save countless lives across the state by expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
Speaking on behalf of the Officers-in-Charge (OICs), Mrs. Elizabeth Odoh described EBSHIA as a transformative force in the state’s healthcare sector, noting that health facilities across Ebonyi have recorded significant improvements under the scheme.
Some beneficiaries of the programme, including Mrs. Victoria Okafor from Ezza South, Mrs. Chinyere Agwu from Edda, Ketrin Ugochi from Afikpo, Nkwuda Joy from Izzi, Elom Chigozie, and Agness Nwanmini, expressed gratitude for the free medical services they received through the agency.
According to them, the health insurance scheme covered treatments, surgeries, childbirth services, and other critical medical interventions at no personal cost.
Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefunna Igwe, thanked Governor Nwifuru for his unwavering support and numerous health interventions that have positively impacted vulnerable persons within and outside Ebonyi State.
Dr. Igwe disclosed that more than 137,000 people have benefited from the agency’s programmes, including patients treated for various health conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and other ailments.
He further revealed that over 29,000 pregnant women have benefited from the scheme.
Reaffirming his commitment to achieving the agency’s Vision 2030 goals, Dr. Igwe praised Governor Nwifuru’s leadership and performance in office, expressing confidence that posterity would remember him for his contributions to improving healthcare and saving lives in Ebonyi State.
