Cross River: 500 constituents benefit from Senator Jarigbe’s free health insurance

In a major move to enhance healthcare accessibility, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has secured one year of free health insurance for 500 residents in the five local government areas of Cross River North Senatorial District.

The programme, known as #JariCare Health Insurance, aims to provide beneficiaries with unrestricted access to quality medical services, sparing them financial stress. Senator Jarigbe underlined that this initiative goes beyond political lines, highlighting his dedication to prioritising the health and welfare of his constituents over partisan interests.

During the cheque presentation ceremony at General Hospital in Ogoja, Senator Jarigbe, represented by Esther Ellah, CEO of Dazzle Empowerment Initiative, urged recipients to fully utilise the programme and to present proper identification when seeking medical care to ensure smooth service delivery.

The Senator described this initiative as the first step in a larger humanitarian effort to enhance healthcare access in the area.

“Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a basic right. While politics has its place in governance, true leadership is measured by its direct positive impact on people’s lives. This initiative focuses on ensuring health and dignity, rather than seeking political advantage,” he declared.

Chief Godwin Iyala, Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, accepted the cheque on the agency’s behalf and praised Senator Jarigbe’s steadfast commitment to public health. He noted that the initiative is in perfect alignment with Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘People First’ strategy and promised that effective monitoring would be in place to ensure responsible use of funds.

Iyala also encouraged beneficiaries to advocate for the programme, emphasising its extensive impact on individual health and the wider community. He called on philanthropists, businesses, and political leaders to follow Senator Jarigbe’s lead, stressing the importance of social health insurance in alleviating the financial burden of medical expenses.

Dr Ugbe Christopher, Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ogoja, voiced the perspective of local healthcare professionals, calling the initiative “a transformative intervention that will address significant gaps in healthcare access for needy residents.”

He praised Senator Jarigbe’s ongoing efforts to bolster the healthcare sector and assured the public that healthcare providers are committed to delivering quality services. He also urged his colleagues to make the most of this opportunity to ensure that each beneficiary receives excellent care.

For many beneficiaries, this initiative represents more than just a policy; it serves as a crucial support system during tough economic times.

Joseph Odey, a retired civil servant, expressed deep appreciation, calling it “a timely intervention that will ease financial burdens and provide essential medical protection.” Others echoed this sentiment, noting that the programme would shield families from the crippling costs associated with medical emergencies.

Following the presentation, the Health Insurance Agency quickly deployed staff to specific registration locations, facilitating the efficient enrolment of beneficiaries and enhancing the programme’s implementation.

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