By Alex Enebeli

The Enugu State Government has offered monthly payment of N1,000 for the coverage of hypertension cases in public hospitals through the state Health Insurance Scheme.

Dr Edith Okolo, the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), made the disclosure in Enugu on Saturday in a statement to mark the 2025 World Hypertension Day.

The theme for the 2025 World Hypertension Day is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!” to ensure early detection and prompt treatment.

Okolo said that through the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, Gov. Peter Mbah had ensured that management of hypertension was fully covered.

“The coverage includes blood pressure measurements, laboratory investigations and anti-hypertensive drugs, hospital admission when needed and physiotherapy sessions for those that have had a stroke.

“All these and more for just N1,000 per person per month,” she said.

The executive secretary said that to commemorate the day, the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage would be offering free blood pressure measurements at its office from Monday, May 19 to 23, between 11.00am and 2.00pm.

“To enroll, please call or WhatsApp 09015297467 or visit UHC House, 12 Colliery Avenue, off Okpara Avenue by Subway Bus Stop. GRA Enugu.

The executive secretary encouraged residents of the state to enrol into the health insurance scheme to receive adequate health care delivery.

She defined hypertension as a “condition when the blood pressure (BP) is consistently high with the systolic pressure above 130mmHg and the diastolic pressure above 90mmHg.”

“More than 1 billion adults worldwide, (approximately 45 per cent of the adult population) are affected by hypertension.

“In Nigeria, it is estimated that up to 31 per cent of adults in urban areas and 27 per cent in rural areas are affected by hypertension.

“Although people with very high BP may experience severe headaches, blurring vision, nose bleeds, chest pain and vomiting and other symptoms, majority of the people with hypertension may not feel any symptoms,” she added.

The medical expert noted that untreated and poorly treated (uncontrolled) hypertension might lead to stroke, heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, loss of vision and many other serious conditions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that May 17 every year is World Hypertension Day. It is a day set aside globally to raise awareness of high blood pressure and its potential health consequences. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu