Abuja: No fewer than 4,000 retirees in Enugu State have enrolled in the free Universal Health Insurance programme initiated by the state government. The enrolment exercise, conducted at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, saw participation from pensioners across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Edith Okolo, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage (ESA-UHC), highlighted the government’s commitment to providing health insurance access to all residents. She emphasized the prioritization of pensioners due to their vulnerability, ensuring they are exempt from payment for coverage. The state government’s mandate is to expand health insurance coverage to previously uncaptured demographics, including all pensioners residing in Enugu, regardless of their origin.
Over 4,000 pensioners have registered so far, with the state aiming to reach the remaining 16,000 pensioners. The insurance package offers comprehensive healthcare services, covering primary healthcare treatments, referrals to specialist hospitals, and necessary surgical procedures. Okolo also stressed the importance of health checks included in the programme, which help monitor conditions like blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Ikechukwu Ekere, praised the state government’s decision to bear the enrolment costs for pensioners, which initially required a monthly payment. This change has led to increased participation among local government and primary school sector pensioners.
National President of the NUP, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, underscored the significance of such initiatives, which, while not physically visible, have substantial impacts on citizens’ welfare. He commended Governor Peter Mbah for integrating pensioners into the scheme but urged the government to address outstanding pension arrears and implement the N32,000 minimum pension for Enugu’s retirees.
Special Adviser to Governor Mbah on Labour Union and Association Matters, Mr. Chukwudi Ezinwa, along with Dr. Eric Oluedo, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Local Government Staff Pensions Board, reassured pensioners of the administration’s dedication to resolving pension backlog issues and improving their welfare.