Governor Otti Approves N1 Billion For Abia State Health Insurance Scheme

Governor Alex Otti Allocates Funds for Abia State Health Insurance Program

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved N1 billion to launch the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring improved healthcare access for state workers. The approval followed the decision of the State Executive Council to roll out the scheme officially.

In addition to the healthcare initiative, Governor Otti has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole, a former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Aviation, as the Special Adviser on Projects. His primary responsibility will be overseeing the Abia Airport project.

Affordable Healthcare for Abia Workers

Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, highlighted the significance of the health scheme. According to them, the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to Abia workers and residents.

“This scheme demonstrates the administration’s dedication to prioritizing the health sector. It guarantees access to affordable healthcare for Abia workers and the general public,” Kanu stated.

Professor Uche explained that the state government would release N500 million initially, with the remaining funds disbursed after six months. Additionally, the Governor has directed a three-month sensitization campaign to encourage workers to enroll in the scheme.

Over 54,000 Vulnerable Residents Already Benefiting

The Health Commissioner disclosed that 54,000 individuals had already enrolled in the state’s health insurance program for vulnerable groups. He noted that the basic healthcare provider fund, which supports these groups, is actively operational.

“By law, civil servants are required to contribute 5% of their basic salary to the health insurance scheme, while the state government provides 10%. However, Governor Otti has approved an initial 12.5% state contribution for the first six months, reducing workers’ contributions to 2.5%,” Professor Uche explained.

Progress on Healthcare and Water Infrastructure

The administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure is evident in “Project Ekwueme,” which aims to construct 200 primary healthcare centers across all 184 wards in the state. Commissioner Kanu reported that the project is already 60% completed and will soon be ready for commissioning.

Similarly, the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities has made significant progress on water projects in various local government areas. Kanu confirmed the full completion of the water project at Aro Ajatakiri, while other projects in Aro Achara (Isiala Ngwa North) and Umuetigha Nvosi (Isiala Ngwa South) are in advanced stages.

Furthermore, the state government is advancing its Water Supply and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) Program, which involves constructing modern toilet facilities to combat open defecation.

Teacher Recruitment and Abia Airport Project

Regarding education, the state government recently reopened its teacher recruitment portal from March 8 to 12, allowing applicants who encountered data submission issues to complete their applications.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Special Adviser on Projects, Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole, will oversee the Abia Airport project. He previously served as Chief Policy Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The press briefing was attended by Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.