… Obowo LGA Chairman Declares Free Emergency Services and Free Delivery Services For Pregnant Women in Obowo.
… Dr Uchenna Ewelike Describes the Health Insurance Coverage as the Best Palliative Given to Ndi-Obowo by Obowo LGA Chairman.
By Tochukwu Ibeh
TA to ES/CEO, IMSHIA.
In what was regarded as a bold and ambitious move toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, officially flagged off the enrollment of 2,000 indigent residents of Obowo Local Government Area into the Imo State Health Insurance Program.
This high impact healthcare intervention, sponsored by the Executive Chairman of Obowo LGA, Hon. Barr. Obioma Ehirim, aims to provide access to accessible and quality healthcare services for the most vulnerable residents of Obowo LGA.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Primary Health, Health Insurance, and Social Services, Dr. Prosper Success Ohayagha, commended the Obowo LGA Chairman for prioritizing healthcare amid other pressing developmental needs.
He noted that the payment of health insurance premiums for about 2,000 individuals is a commendable effort that aligns with the Governor’s vision for access to care for all in Imo state.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Obowo LGA, Hon. Barr. Obioma Ehirim, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a sustainable healthcare system in the local government.
He described the enrollment of 2,000 residents as a cornerstone of his healthcare agenda, emphasizing its long-term benefits for the people of Obowo.
In furtherance of this commitment, Hon. Barr. Ehirim announced the provision of free delivery services for all pregnant women in Obowo while urging them to be enrolled into the Social Risk protection scheme.
Additionally, he declared the deployment of ambulances to facilitate free emergency medical services across the LGA, ensuring swift response to health emergencies.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, stated that the healthcare intervention is a critical step in bridging healthcare gaps within the community.
He described the health insurance coverage as a best palliative given to the poor and vulnerable population of Obowo by the LGA Chairman while emphasizing that the health program will complement ongoing state efforts to improve healthcare accessibility within the LGA and Imo State at large.
Dr. Ewelike further highlighted that the program primarily targets pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the most underprivileged members of the society, ensuring that those most in need receive quality medical care.
The flag off ceremony witnessed the presence of several key dignitaries and stakeholders who expressed their support for the program.
Notable among them were Rt. Hon. Barr. Kennedy Ibeh, Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Member Representing Obowo State Constituency; Comrade Uche Chigaemezu, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo State Chapter; Mr. Chimezie Nnabuihe, State Coordinator, National Health Authority (NHA), Imo State; HRH Eze Ngozi Uwalaka; Beneficiaries of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Obowo
