“Health Insurance is Imo’s Answer to Longevity in a Resource-Constrained Era”
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), Prof. Uchenna Ewelike, on Thursday, 26th June 2026, delivered a landmark paper presentation at the IMSU International Conference on Longevity, held at the Imo State University Auditorium, Owerri.
Presenting under the conference theme “Advancing Universal Health Coverage in a Resource-Constrained Environment,” Prof. Ewelike shared IMSHIA’s practical experience in scaling health insurance coverage to over 2.7 million Imolites within two and a half years, despite fiscal limitations.
Prof. Ewelike demonstrated how ImoCare uses strategic pooling of resources and a single, unified benefits package to deliver quality care at low cost. “We’ve shown that with political will, digital systems, and community ownership, UHC is achievable even when funds are tight,” he stated.
He explained how IMSHIA is shifting focus from curative to preventive care by incentivizing accredited facilities for screenings, immunization, and chronic disease management. “Longevity starts with early detection. ImoCare pays for health, not just sickness,” he noted.
Prof. Ewelike urged IMSU and other research institutions to partner with IMSHIA on health economics, impact evaluation, and policy innovation. “The lab for UHC is not just in Geneva. It’s here in Imo. Let’s publish what works,” he charged.
“Longevity isn’t just about adding years to life — it’s about adding life to years. ImoCare is how we make sure Ndi Imo doesn’t just live long, but live well, without fear of medical bills.”
