By Benson Ezugwu
Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River on Tuesday inaugurated the State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS) under the Ayade Care programme.
According to him, the scheme is part of the state’s commitment toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the year 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the UN.
Speaking during the flag off in Calabar, the governor pledged the sum of N20 million enrollment from his salary for himself, family and the 18 Local Government Ares in Cross River.
“I will make available a cheque of N18 million; one million naira for each of the 18 local government areas, and two million naira for myself and my family, all from my personal income,’’ he said.
Ayade advised politicians in the state to show love to their constituents by enrolling them into the SHIS.
“The money you use in buying votes during election day, bring it out now and show love to your people by enrolling them in the scheme,’’ he said.
The governor directed all political appointees under his administration to go back to their respective wards and enroll their people.
Ayade also promised to give one vehicle each to all the 196 political wards in the state to facilitate the success of the scheme across the state.
Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Beta Edu, said that all the healthcare centers in the 18 local government areas have been rehabilitated and fully equipped in readiness for the scheme.
She assured that the scheme would be a huge success in the state.
In his remarks, Prof. Mohammed Sambo, Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), said the Federal Government had given the state N250 million to cover the vulnerable population under the basic healthcare provision fund.
According to him, the money is from the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government.
He added that the agency would provide technical and technology support to the SHIS in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all state’s join the Health Insurance Scheme. (NAN)
