Beneficiaries share experiences as Ebonyi govt officially flags-off free surgery for 582 civil servants 

Civil Servant beneficiaries of free medical and surgical interventions in Ebonyi state have applauded the initiative as life saving.

 

Recall that the State government, through the State Health Insurance Agency has since commenced various kinds of surgeries and treatment for over 582 screened civil servants with costs fully paid by government.

 

The ongoing free medical and surgical interventions were executed through the state health insurance scheme codenamed “Onwa Healthcare, medical and surgical outreach”

 

The outreach was officially flagged off on Monday, September 30, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

 

It was followed by a tour of some of the registered health provider facilities where the surgeries were performed.

 

The Executive Secretary, EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe who led the Head of Service, Dr. Rita Mary Okoro and some journalists to the facilities said the surgeries began before the official flag-off date, with some of them already completed.

 

He explained that the initiative cover a wide range of specialized medical interventions, including hernia surgeries, fibroid surgeries, eye surgeries as well as the issuance of 225 eye glasses, eye screenings for 278 individuals, as well as cases of breast and finger lumps.

 

Others included scrotal screenings, blockage of fallopian tubes, fibroid surgeries and Hepatitis B screening, counseling and treatment.

 

Igwe said: “Before today, September 30th, we had already started the surgeries, including fibroid, eye, and hernia surgeries.

 

“Prior to this time, we had completed 265 surgeries through Her Excellency’s program.

 

“By next year, we plan to extend this program to include free access to antenatal care and delivery services.”

 

The Executive Secretary further explained that the scheme provides financial risk protection and ensures high-quality care delivered by renowned consultants, stressing that It was a continuation of the governor’s vision to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all civil servants and their families.

 

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to the team on their hospital bed, including James Nwamini, Ikenna Mbam, Fidelis Eshia, Salome Eze, Sylvester Obiya and Andrew Ogworu who went through hernia surgery and Juliana Abaa, Chioma Okike, Virginia Okpoto, among others who had fibroid surgery as well as Agwu Ehia Ugwumgba, who underwent eye surgery, confirmed that they did not pay even a Kobo for the treatment and care.

Okpoto Virginia narated: “I was down for almost one year, and based on tests from hospitals I’ve attended, they said I should come for the surgery.

 

“But because of my financial predicament, I could not afford it, and I have been enduring it till now when the government came to my rescue through this scheme, and I am very grateful.”

 

Another of the beneficiary of hernia surgery, Matthew Nwinya from Umuhuali in Ishielu LGA, also shared his experience: “Before now, I had been suffering from hernia for over seven years but couldn’t afford the surgery, which cost around 200,000 naira.

 

“When I heard about the governor’s gesture, I thought it was a joke, but I decided to visit the Ministry of Health.

 

“To my surprise, I was attended to immediately, and the process was smooth.

 

“I underwent hernia surgery at no cost, and the hospital management exceeded my expectations.

 

“The health insurance scheme took care of everything.

 

“I am beyond grateful.”

 

The civil servants expressed their sincere appreciations to the Governor for his magnanimity without which they they could not have been able to afford the surgeries.

 

They also appreciated the Executive Secretary for keeping faith with the mandate of the Agency.

 

Head of Service, Dr. Ritamary Okoro, speaking on her impression on the visit, said the essence was to interact with beneficiaries to ascertain if they were genuine civil servants as well as confirm whether EBSHIA acted according to directives.

 

Okoro expressed joy over the outcome, describing it as a milestone achievement of Nwifuru’s administration.

 

She urged all civil servants to take advantage of the scheme for themselves and their families, especially children under 18 years.

 

“This is a remarkable accomplishment for both this administration and the civil servants of Ebonyi State.

 

“Today’s flag-off marks the beginning of a medical and surgical intervention that includes hernia and eye surgeries, among others.

 

“To whom much is given, much is expected.

 

“I believe civil servants should reciprocate this gesture by being diligent and timely at work.

 

Speaking earlier at the venue of the flag-off, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ebonyi State chapter, Prof. Ogugua Egwu commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards restoring faith in governance.

 

“I must thank the governor for this initiative.

 

“Understanding the plight of the people and acting on it is something commendable.

 

“This action has touched more lives than he can ever imagine, and it is beginning to rebuild the trust between government and the people.”

 

In an interview, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma said the initiative was in line with the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, which he has continued to pursue vigorously.

 

He noted that with the scheme, civil servants in the state no longer have reasons to neglect their health.

 

Some of the service provider hospitals visited included Little Seed Hospital and maternity, Dan Medics hospital and Maternity, Abakaliki and Caring Cross Specialist hospital and Maternity in Ohaukwu local government area.