By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
In a bid to expand health insurance coverage, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Global Alliance for Vaccines, GAVI and other partners in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government has enrolled 10,000 Community based vulnerable Children and women into the State Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS).
The adoption of the 10,000 vulnerable Bayelsans made of up Children, pregnant and women of child bearing age, was disclosed during a launch of the programme at the Health Insurance House, Secretariat Complex Yenagoa
The UNICEF, GAVI ,Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme with the theme, ‘Expanding Health Insurance Coverage Through Partnership’, was attended by stakeholders in the health sector including representatives from World Health Organisation, Clinton Health Access Initiatives, Bayelsa State Primary Health Development Board, Corona Management System, National Health Insurance Authority and Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anselm Audu, Chief Field Office, UNICEF, Port Harcourt, said the health insurance for 10,000 vulnerable persons symbolised substantial leap forward in their collective efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable have access to essential health care services which are fundamental to their well-being and development.
Audu said the initiative would not only provide critical medical care but also bring hope and security to countless families across the state.
He stated: “UNICEF, in collaboration with Bayelsa State government, healthcare providers and dedicated partners, has always prioritised the health and the welfare of children and women.
“Healthcare is a basic human right, and no child or woman should ever be deprived of it due to financial constraints. The introduction of this health insurance programme will relieve families of the burden of medical expenses, allowing them to seek timely and adequate healthcare without fear or hesitation.”
Speaking at the event, Governor Douye Diri who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, expressed appreciation to UNICEF-GAVI for the gesture and several interventions in the state, calling on all multinationals, private individuals and politicians, to take a cue from the donor agencies.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, who highlighted the importance of health and the success story of the BHIS, called for more support to expand the scheme, while on her part, the Chairman Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme Board, Professor Onyaye Kunle-Olowu, commended the UNICEF-GAVI and other partners for the support to the 10,000 vulnerable bayelsans.
The event was also attended by Government top functionaries, Stakeholders and partners in health sector including the Head of Service, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, Executive Secretary BHIS Dr. Zuoboemi Agadah, Executive Secretary Bayelsa Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Williams Appah, with the high point of the event being the issuing of health Insurance cards to some beneficiaries.
The 3-day event by UNICEF-GAVI in Bayelsa state which started with the monitoring of 4 out of 10 renovated and upgraded Primary Health Care Centres funded by the partners came to an end with a Debriefing at the office of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for health, with Representatives of other partners! W.H.O, SOLINA Consortium, M-RITE, Corona Management Services, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the State team all present.
