By Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi
No fewer than 10,000 pregnant women in Ebonyi have been enrolled free into the State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) by Better Health For Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO).
The Founder of the foundation, Wife of the Gov, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, made this known on Wednesday, during inauguration of the second phase in Abakaliki.
The event was organised by BERWO in collaboration with EBSHIA.
According to her, the enrollment ensured that the women access quality antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal services without the burden of cost.
Nwifuru also disclosed that the programme covered emergency medical care attention under the scheme.
“The life-changing event, captured 10,000 pregnant women into the scheme by BERWO foundation and reaffirm our collective commitment to the health, safety of every woman and child in the setate. ,
“This intervention, spearheaded through a strong collaboration between BERWO foundation and EBSHIA, a health and social protection effort. It ensures that every enrolled woman receives care.
The wife of the Governor said that the intervention, spearheaded through a strong collaboration between BERWO Foundation and EBSHIA was a health and social protection effort.
“We are expanding the circle of care, which enrols 10,000 pregnant women across the 171 wards of the state.
“Demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no mother dies while giving life and no child is denied a chance to live healthy because of poverty,” she said.
She encouraged the women to taken advantage of the initiative to ensure they get registered and attend antenatal appointments.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Divine Igwe, said the initiative aligned with the universal health coverage and the “people charter of needs” mantra of Gov Francis Nwifuru led administration.
Igwe assured that the women enrolled would be tracked to ensure they access health care and safe delivery.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma commended Mrs Nwifuru for the huge initiative, adding that the first phase recorded success.
Pharm Odira Ekenezie, the Regional Accounts Manager South East Field Technology and Development Partners Limited said it partnered with the foundation, and EBSHIA to affect lives positively by providing medical interventions and dispensing quality drugs.
Mrs Elizabeth Ogbaga, Chairman EBSHIA Board and Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, BERWO Team Led disclosed that the initiative had introduced components such as baby shower.
Mrs Success Nkwede and Patience Okwuru on behalf of other beneficiaries, commended Mrs Nwifuru for the initiative and relief in cost of medical care.