Ebonyi govt enrolls disabled persons into health insurance scheme

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi state government under the leadership of governor Francis Nwifuru on Monday assured members of disabilities of immediate enrollment as patients to the state existing health insurance scheme.

The state commissioner for health, Dr. Nkama Moses made this known on Monday in Abakaliki the state capital during the official handover of their new office to their leadership.

This came following the reallocation of their former office at the state health management board (SHMD) to function as a federal blood bank Centre for the South East region.

Insideoutnews gathered that the leadership of persons living with disabilities had earlier opposed the relocation order by the minister of women affairs and Social Development and their sister ministry of health.

According to the commissioner, “it is not that we are pushing you away as some of your earlier thoughts.

“So we want to use this opportunity and assure you that we are going to take good care of you by providing for you to make you comfortable.

“And to start with, “today, we are going to enroll you as patients to the Ebonyi state health insurance Agency so as to support your health challenges.

“Your former office at the state health management board (SHMB) has been designed to be a federal blood bank centre for South-East region and governor Francis Nwifuru has graciously approved money for this projects

“Again, we also want to assure you that from time to time, the state government will be coming to visit you to know how you are fairing,”he stated.

Receiving the keys of the new office, the leaders of the group, Barr. Enyi Nwabueze and Comrade Kingsley Nwaze expressed confidence in the leadership of governor Nwifuru, essentially in the area of health.

The duo however, called on other aggrieved members to join them at their new office.

They further distanced members of the disabled association in the state who were in some quarters seen to be violent.

“Although getting to this place was a thug of war but I thank God that a day like this finally comes to reality.

“And I strongly believe that as the state governor has promised, he will do it because his promises are always sacrosanct.

“Also, I am using this opportunity urging all Ebonyians who are physically challenged to come and join us at this befitting new office so as to actualize our dreams,”he explained.

A member of the state disabled family by name Maduabuchi Okoro, called on the government to improve their welfare and healthcare needs.

The commissioner was represented by the permanent secretary Mr. Lawrence Ezego.