The Ebonyi State Government, in partnership with the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), has commenced enrolment for HIV patients under its health insurance scheme.
Dr Moses Ekuma, the State Commissioner for Health, announced this on Thursday in Abakaliki during a media briefing that highlighted Governor Francis Nwifuru’s achievements through EBSHIA over his two years in office.
Dr Ekuma explained that the scheme secured international funding to enrol HIV-positive patients, thereby alleviating the financial burden of accessing antiretroviral drugs.
He added that those enrolled would also benefit from free treatment for other medical conditions, including malaria, hepatitis, hypertension, diabetes, and maternal health services such as ante- and post-natal care.
“We encourage HIV patients to seize this opportunity by enrolling in the scheme. They can now redirect resources previously spent on HIV medication towards other needs,” Ekuma said.
He further noted that Governor Nwifuru’s interventions had significantly enhanced the scheme’s success, with enrolment rising from 37,000 prior to his administration to 137,000 to date.
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“Universal health coverage is unattainable without health insurance, as lack of funds often hinders access to adequate medical care. The First Lady’s support has also expanded ante- and post-natal services, resulting in reductions in maternal and infant mortality,” he added.
Dr Divine Igwe, Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, revealed that active enrolment in 2024 alone has reached 86,000.
“We have enrolled 40,088 children under five, 20,786 pregnant women, 1,210 persons with disabilities, 41,763 indigent persons, 2,214 informal sector workers, and 5,347 from the tertiary sector,” he stated.
Igwe urged individuals and organisations to sponsor community members’ enrolment to further expand the scheme’s reach.
One beneficiary, Mrs Precious Aloke, prayed for the continued success of the agency in improving healthcare delivery.
 Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the traditional rulers’ council, civil society organisations, and others during the event.
