Imo Works Commissioner hails Uzodimma’s health insurance scheme, says he’s a beneficiary

…As Dibiagwu enrolls constituents

By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe

The Imo State Commissioner for Works, Barr. Ralph Nwosu, on Friday, June 20, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his giant strides in the state, including health programs, stating that the governor has removed great burden from the Imo people through the state health insurance scheme.

Nwosu, made the disclosure at Mgbidi, Oru West LGA headquarters, during the flag-off of Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu’s sponsored enrollment of his 10,000 constituents from Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru-West Federal Constituency into the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme. He recounted how his family has enjoyed the benefits of free medical coverage through his wife, a federal government worker.

The commissioner, who  represented the governor at the event, noted that Governor Uzodimma in his visionary leadership and burning desire for the good of Imo people, has domesticated health insurance scheme following its effectiveness in developed countries. He stressed the importance of electing good leaders with vision, passion and capacity to effect positive change.

He also hailed Hon. Dibiagwu for prioritizing the wellbeing of his constituents, adding that the federal lawmaker through the massive and high cost enrollment exercise and other people-oriented projects, has demostrated the importance of effective legislative representation.

Barr. Nwosu, an indigene of the area, appealed to the target beneficiaries to enroll in the scheme free of charge in their interest, insisting that good health which enables other pursuits should be prioritized. According to him, it was the desires of Governor Uzodimma and Hon. Dibiagwu that people of the area enjoy good health and wellness.

“I appeal and encourage you to enroll and take the massage home for others to enroll. This a laudable program of His Excellency, Governor Uzodimma. One of the challenges of enjoying good health is financial constraints, but now that money has been provided through this health insurance scheme,” Barr. Nwosu noted.

I’m his address, Hon. Dibiagwu, revealed that he drew inspiration from Governor Uzodimma towards ensuring that the health needs of his constituents were met, while also contributing to the overall success of the health insurance scheme which he described as commendable, as well as reflecting Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to good governance in the state.

Urging his constituents to leverage the opportunity to achieve a healthier living, Hon. Dibiagwu, explained that target beneficiaries were expected from the thirty three wards of the federal constituency, as he promised them more dividends of democracy.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, IMSHIA, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, appreciated Hon. Dibiagwu for partnering with the agency towards the wellness of his constituents. He disclosed that his office through its mandate, ensures that Imo people have access to quality health services without suffering hardships.

He explained that the inability to access healthcare because of financial difficulties, had led to some fatalities, prompting Governor Uzodimma’s intervention and resilience in funding the project in order to save Imo people from preventable deaths.

Dr. Ewelike, enumerated some of the successes recorded through the scheme around the state, while disclosing plans to reach 2.7 million enrollments in the state. He called on the people of the area to leverage the opportunity to secure a better and healthy future.

The event witnessed the first batch of enrollees into IMOCARE; a term that refers to the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme. It also had in attendance dignitaries from all walk of life, including government officials, traditional rulers, community and political leaders among others from the federal constituency and beyond.