The Imo State Health Insurance Agency under the leadership of Dr Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary/CEO has intervened in the case of a child from Okwuabala, Orlu Local Government Area, who was born with multiple complex birth defects and is currently receiving adequate and needed specialist care at Innobel Specialist Hospital, Owerri.
The child’s mother had earlier been referred from Okwuabala Primary Health Centre in Orlu LGA to Jude Udokwu Memorial Hospital, Amaifeke, Orlu for Cesarean Section which was 100% covered by the Agency. Following this, the baby was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction which didn’t allow the baby to eat food and pass stool.
Consequent to these complications, the baby was quickly referred to Innobel Specialist Hospital Owerri who diagnosed the baby of intestinal atresia and bilateral hernia, congenital conditions present from birth that required multiple corrective surgeries.
Speaking during the visit, the Medical Director of Innobel Specialist Hospital, Dr. Igwilo Innocent, explained that his medical team swiftly swung into action to save the baby after the newborn presented with severe complications.
Dr. Igwilo further noted that without IMSHIA’s timely intervention, the mother would likely have lost her baby, given the urgency and financial implications of the treatment required.
He commended the agency for its efficient referral system and commitment to maternal and child health, which made high impact intervention possible.
The Management of Innobel Specialist Hospital also confirmed that the bill for the baby’s multiple corrective surgeries was covered on a 50:50 co-insurance basis, an agreed payment model that significantly alleviated the financial burden on the family, allowing them to pay only a highly subsidized amount for the specialized treatment.
The IMSHIA Team who visited the mother and child at Innobel Specialist Hospital as part of the agency’s continuous effort to ensure quality assurance and proper case follow-up for beneficiaries under the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme, expressed satisfaction with the quality of care being provided and reaffirmed IMSHIA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all enrollees especially mothers and children with critical health conditions receive timely, safe, and affordable healthcare services across accredited facilities in the state.
