Abia State Government Extends Health Insurance Scheme To Informal Sector

The Abia State Government Social Health Insurance Scheme has been extended to the informal sector, following the massive enrollment from the formal sector. Data showed that the scheme recorded 91,227 enrollees, as announced by Pince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information in the state.

Prince Kanu made the revelation while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti on Monday.

“In the health sector, our State Social Health Insurance Scheme has recorded 91,227 enrollees. With this encouraging milestone, approval has been granted to extend the scheme to the informal sector, with the second phase rollout expected in the coming weeks.”

The commissioner also announced that a fully equipped Intensive Care Unit at the Abia State Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia has begun operations, which he described as a “significant boost” to emergency and specialized healthcare delivery in the state. He hinted that the state has no reported cases of Mpox, diphtheria, cholera, or Lassa fever.

“Also, a fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is now operational at the Abia State Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia – a significant boost to emergency and specialized healthcare delivery in the state. Notably, there are currently no reported cases of mpox, diphtheria, cholera, or Lassa fever in Abia.”