The Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation, founded by Ebonyi’s first lady, Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has enrolled 200 sickle cell patients into the state Health Insurance Scheme.

Mrs Nwifuru, at an event in Abakaliki on Tuesday, reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Mrs Nwifuru said the commitment would be achieved 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.

The governor’s wife said that enrolling the 200 beneficiaries into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency aimed to reduce 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. “I encourage the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by attending regular medical checks, adhering to prescribed treatments and embracing healthy lifestyles.”

The foundation’s team lead, Nkechi Emma-Echiegu, commended Mrs Nwifuru for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable people.

The chairman of the EBSHIA board, Elizabeth Ogbaga, applauded Mrs Nwifuru and the foundation for their sustained partnership with the agency, which has significantly expanded health insurance across Ebonyi.

The executive secretary of EBSHIA, Divine Igwe, enlightened the newly enrolled beneficiaries on the agency’s registration and utilisation guidelines.

Mr 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.

(NAN)