Governor Alex Otti has approved N1 billion for the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to accessible healthcare. This approval follows the State Executive Council’s formal endorsement of the scheme’s rollout.
In addition, the Governor has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole, a retired Permanent Secretary from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, as Special Adviser on Projects to oversee the Abia Airport project.
Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, disclosed these developments during a press briefing on the State Executive Council’s resolutions.
Kanu emphasized the administration’s dedication to healthcare, stating:
“This is one of the health schemes that underscores the high premium the administration places on the health sector. It’s a scheme that will grant Abia workers and, indeed, the entire citizenry access to affordable healthcare services upon rollout.”
Professor Uche elaborated that the initiative is designed to meet the healthcare needs of Abia workers and their dependents. He detailed the funding structure, revealing that N500 million will be disbursed as the first tranche, while the remaining N500 million will be released after six months.
Furthermore, the Governor has directed a three-month sensitization campaign to educate workers about the scheme and encourage enrollment.
54,000 Beneficiaries Already Enrolled
Professor Uche noted that 54,000 individuals have already enrolled in the state’s healthcare insurance program for vulnerable groups.
“As you all know, the basic healthcare provider fund, which supports vulnerable groups, is already operational. As we speak, over 54,000 enrollees are benefiting from the scheme.”
Regarding funding, he explained:
“By law, every civil servant is required to contribute five percent of their basic salary to the insurance scheme, while the state contributes 10 percent. However, the Governor has approved an increased contribution of 12.5 percent from the state for the first six months, while each civil servant will contribute 2.5 percent.”
Progress on Project Ekwueme and Water Supply
The Information Commissioner also provided updates on Project Ekwueme, an initiative aimed at constructing 200 primary healthcare centers across the state’s 184 wards. He reported a 60 percent completion rate, assuring that commissioning will commence soon.
On water supply, he highlighted significant progress:
“The water project in Aro Ajatakiri is 100 percent completed. Other projects in Aro Achara (Isiala Ngwa North LGA) and Umuetigha Nvosi (Isiala Ngwa South LGA) are at advanced stages of completion.”
Additionally, he noted advancements in the Water Supply and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) Programme, which includes constructing modern toilet facilities to combat open defecation.
Teacher Recruitment Portal Reopened
Regarding the ongoing teacher recruitment process, Kanu clarified that the state reopened the application portal from March 8 to 12 to accommodate applicants who faced technical difficulties in submitting their bio-data and other necessary details.
Appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole
Dr. Mereibeole, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Projects, previously served as Chief Policy Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. His new role includes overseeing the Abia Airport project.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, were also present at the press briefing.
