The Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) Foundation, founded by the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has enrolled 200 sickle cell patients in the state Health Insurance Scheme.
Mrs Nwifuru reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens have access to quality and affordable healthcare during an event held in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma, she said the commitment was being driven through strategic partnerships and impactful interventions.
“The BERWO foundation remains committed to improving the health and well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations across Ebonyi.
“Persons living with sickle cell disorder face enormous health and financial challenges due to the lifelong nature of the condition.
“Access to quality healthcare should never be determined by one’s financial status,” she said.
Mrs Nwifuru explained that the enrolment of the 200 beneficiaries into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) was aimed at reducing the financial burden of medical care on affected families.
“This is to ensure that the beneficiaries receive timely and quality healthcare services whenever the need arises,” she said.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the healthcare vision of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration under the “People’s Charter of Needs Agenda”.
“I encourage the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by attending regular medical checks, adhering to prescribed treatments and embracing healthy lifestyles,” she said.
The BERWO Foundation Team Lead, Prof. Nkechi Emma-Echiegu, commended Mrs Nwifuru for her leadership and dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable people.
Chairman of the EBSHIA Board, Mrs Elizabeth Ogbaga, praised Mrs Nwifuru and the BERWO Foundation for their sustained partnership with the agency, noting that it had significantly expanded health insurance coverage across the state.
“This expansion has captured pregnant women, children, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr Divine Igwe, educated the newly enrolled beneficiaries on the agency’s registration and utilisation guidelines.
Igwe explained that adherence to the laid-down procedures would guarantee seamless access to quality healthcare services.
“I encourage beneficiaries to report any challenges encountered while accessing services through the appropriate EBSHIA complaint and feedback channels,” he said.
The event featured the formal presentation of enrolment materials to the 200 beneficiaries.
