Charles Ekanem|14 July 2016|8:13AM
On inception of Sen Ben Ayade's led administration, one of the policies that he introduced to the health sector of the state was the State Health Insurance Scheme. He said he wants the state to achieve Universal Health Coverage and needed Cross Riverians to be protected from catastrophic health expenditures that will continue to impoverish many.
The state health team led by the Honorable Commissioner of Health, Dr Inyang Asibong, and DG CRSPHCDA, Dr Betta Edu was in attendance with other major health developmental partners in the state to engaged the stakeholders on the proposed State Health Insurance Scheme at Monty Suites Hotels Calabar in the Health Finance Governance and SMOH organised meeting.
Speaking, Dr Inyang Asibong said the health care financing core diagnostic meeting for state health insurance scheme will help the state understand the process and roadmap required for the reforms of healthcare in the state. She said the scheme is rated by many as the best response of His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade to the provision of quality healthcare services to Cross Riverians.
Dr Betta Edu, DG CRSPHCDA, on her part describe the scheme as a wonderful innovation for all and pleaded for support from stakeholders in seeing to the realization of the project. She said the scheme will enable people in community to put their money together in a central purse were they will enjoy quality health care irrespective of the cost.
“We have been holding town hall meetings in LGAs and most communities to sensitise people on the importance of buying into the state health insurance scheme. The event today will expand our ideas and increase input that will drive the process to success. The state government have decided that the scheme will be free for pregnant women and children under five in our communities because they remain our target group to reduce maternal and child mortality”, said Dr Edu.
Earlier speaking, Mr Ibiam Azu Agwu the state program coordinator CRS on behalf of the Chief of Party, Mr Garfa said the state health insurance is not a one man business.
Mr Ibiam said the essence of the meeting was to bring stakeholders from different sectors to discuss on how best the scheme can be successful. He stated that it will help reduce out of pocket expenditure. Noting that CRS was on the right track
Finally he said this will help in achieving universal health coverage in the state. Developmental partners in the state were impressed and adopted the process as a key to the success of the scheme.
Charles Ekanem
Is the media aide to the DG, CRSPHCDA