Enugu ramps up efforts to enroll more residents in the health insurance scheme

The Enugu State Government announced that it is intensifying efforts to boost enrollment in its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, aiming to expand residents’ access to affordable health services.

Edith Okolo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage, made the statement on Tuesday during a multi‑stakeholder implementation meeting held in Enugu.

Okolo noted that the agency has recorded progress since the programme’s launch, but emphasized that additional sensitisation is required to shift public perception about health insurance.

She explained that some residents initially questioned the scheme because of the relatively low annual premium and the breadth of services covered.

“Some people think it is a scam to access healthcare with just N12,000 per year, but we are getting positive testimonies from beneficiaries who paid N12,000 and accessed healthcare services successfully,” she said.

Okolo clarified that health insurance remains mandatory under the National Health Insurance Authority law and the Enugu State Health Sector Reform Law.

However, she said the government is currently focusing on persuasion and public enlightenment rather than immediate enforcement.

She added that future enforcement measures could involve requiring proof of health insurance before accessing certain government services, enrolling in schools, or renewing business licences.

“We are trying to appeal to people by showing them the benefits instead of enforcing it immediately, but our next stage will involve enforcement measures,” she said.

The ESAUHC chief also revealed that the agency intends to introduce health‑insurance certificates for businesses as part of licensing requirements.

Discussing the scheme’s benefits, she said the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services includes treatment for malaria, typhoid, pneumonia, hypertension, diabetes, diarrhoea, arthritis, paediatric illnesses and snake bites.

She further noted that beneficiaries receive free consultations, laboratory tests, medications, surgeries and hospital admissions covered under the package.

“It also covers surgeries such as appendectomy and caesarean section, with up to 20 days of hospital admission for surgical cases and 15 days for medical cases,” she stated.

Okolo indicated that the agency is presently targeting vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children under five, persons living with disabilities, elderly individuals and indigent residents.

The state aims to enrol at least 45,000 vulnerable persons in the free health‑insurance scheme funded jointly by the state and the Federal Government.

Okolo added that residents may also enrol independently at an annual premium of N12,000, with instalment payment options introduced to enhance accessibility.

In his remarks, Fabian Nwigbo, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Enugu State, called on the government to subsidise the scheme for civil servants to encourage broader participation.

NAN