Ebonyi Health Insurance Coverage Surges to 137,000

Ebonyi State has witnessed a dramatic expansion of its Health Insurance Scheme, with enrollment numbers soaring to over 137,000 residents between 2023 and 2024—up from just 34,000 prior to the current administration.

This progress was announced during a press conference in Abakaliki by the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Divine Igwe. The increase is attributed to major healthcare reforms implemented by Governor Francis Nwifuru’s government.

A significant milestone in the scheme’s expansion came in November 2023, when the state approved free health insurance for all civil servants, removing the need for personal financial contributions. The initiative also provides coverage for children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, low-income earners, and individuals in both the formal and informal sectors.

As part of efforts to raise awareness and encourage broader participation, the agency is appealing to philanthropists and community leaders to support the registration of at least 1,000 people in each ward. This approach is aimed at reducing mortality rates and addressing prevalent health issues such as hypertension.

The scheme has led to a notable decline in out-of-pocket healthcare costs across Ebonyi’s 13 Local Government Areas and 171 electoral wards. Established in 2018, the agency is mandated to provide equitable access to medical services without causing financial hardship to residents.

Further expanding its reach, the agency has partnered with the Global Fund to offer free health insurance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. So far, 14,000 identified HIV-positive residents are being enrolled under this initiative.

The administration’s focus on inclusive health coverage is being hailed as a transformative step in the state’s healthcare delivery system