Ebonyi’s Health Insurance scheme sees exponential growth, reaching 137,000 enrollees in two years

Martha Iloke, Abakaliki

Over 137,000 residents of Ebonyi State have been enrolled in the State Health Insurance Scheme, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve healthcare access.

The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) achieved this feat between 2023 and 2024, with a notable increase in enrollment numbers.

The Executive Secretary of the State Agency, Dr Divine Igwe, revealed this, at a press conference in Abakaliki, saying the agency’s achievements over the past two years were enormous.

Igwe stated that in November 2023, the state government approved free health insurance coverage for all civil servants without requiring any financial contribution from them.

A breakdown of the beneficiaries include children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, the indigent, and individuals in both the formal and informal sectors.

He explained that the media engagement was aimed at showcasing the strides made by Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration through the health insurance agency.

Igwe called on philanthropists and stakeholders across the state to mobilize support and register at least 1,000 people per ward into the scheme.

“This will go a long way in reducing mortality rates and addressing the growing threat of high blood pressure, which is claiming lives in our communities,” he said.

According to him, the health insurance scheme has helped reduce out-of-pocket expenses for medical care across all 13 Local Government Areas and the 171 electoral wards of the state.

He stressed the health insurance scheme has helped reduce out-of-pocket expenses for medical care across all 13 Local Government Areas and the 171 electoral wards of the state.

He added that the agency, which was established by law in 2018, is designed to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all residents without causing financial hardship.

The ES also revealed that the state is partnering with the Global Fund to provide free healthcare access for people living with HIV/AIDS.

“Currently, 14,000 identified HIV patients are being enrolled into the state health insurance scheme,” he announced.

He added, “Before this administration took office in 2023, only 34,000 people were enrolled in the health insurance scheme. Now, over 137,000 have been enrolled in just two years.”