By Ruth Oginyi
Mary-Maudline Nwifuru the wife of Ebonyi state Governor, has declared a one-month free genotype test for all categories in Ebonyi State.
This development is in a bid to curb the spread of sickle cell in the state.
Mrs. Nwifuru disclosed this during the launch of the enrollment of 100 sickle cell disorders into the Ebonyi state health insurance scheme in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health.
She noted that health care delivery is part of the people’s charter of needs outlined by the Executive Governor of the State Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and as such it is her earnest desire to promote health service delivery in Ebonyi state.
The governor’s wife described Sickle cell disease as a lifelong condition that requires consistent and often costly medical care, with a high level of death which is very preventable if attended to properly and early, hence the decision to enroll the sickle cell warriors into the Ebonyi state health insurance scheme.
‘Today, I am here to flag off the enrollment of 100 sickle cell patients into Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency for easy and timely assessment of health care services to show our readiness in partnering with EBSHIA to give quality health care services to our people’.
Mrs. Nwifuru further explained that the enrollment shows their commitment to the people of the state to provide quality health care delivery for all as captioned in the People’s Charter of Needs. It also shows that the current government will continue to ensure the attainment of Universal Health
‘The enrollment of 100 sickle cell patients into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency is a testament to our commitment to leaving no one behind. It is a pledge that in Ebonyi State, every citizen, regardless of their health status or economic circumstances, will have access to the healthcare they deserve.
The state commissioner for health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, Dr. Oluomachi Nnachi a Hematologist, Dr. Nwukor Samuel a Consultant Pediatrician, and Dr. Uche Nwedu a Gynecologist, in their separate remarks, explained the sickle cell disorder and how it affects children, adult and pregnant women, the causes of sickle cell, the treatment and how it can be treated and prevented.
Dr. Divine Igwe the Executive Secretary, of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, thanked the wife of the Governor, for her support and dedication to quality healthcare delivery.
He also gave an overview of the agency and how Ebonyians can benefit from it.
