Governor Alex Otti has officially launched a new health insurance scheme aimed at making healthcare more accessible and affordable for civil servants in Abia State. The scheme, introduced on Thursday in Umuahia, is designed to provide round-the-clock medical services for government workers and their dependents at designated facilities across the state.
Speaking during the launch of the Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare for all. He stated that no one in the “New Abia” would be denied access to medical services due to financial challenges.
“This initiative is structured to drastically reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for individuals in formal sector employment,” the governor said. “It will cut down risks and hazards associated with self-medication and create a demand for medical services in all the public health facilities in our urban and rural communities.”
He explained that the scheme would go beyond basic treatments, covering advanced medical services such as surgical procedures, orthopaedic care, paediatrics, obstetrics, and gynaecology.
Governor Otti also used the opportunity to highlight the newly introduced Medical Outreach Programme, targeted specifically at the poor and vulnerable. Unlike traditional outreach methods, which are held in open fields and community halls, the new model will be integrated into formal healthcare settings.
He warned against the use of public schools, markets, and religious centres for medical outreach, stressing that only authorized facilities should be used.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, praised the initiative. He said health security was crucial and recalled how he introduced a similar health insurance model during his time as president. “With people like Governor Otti, we will achieve our potential,” Obasanjo remarked.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, explained that the scheme would be funded through contributory payments. Civil servants will contribute 2.5% of their basic salaries for the first six months, while the state government covers the remaining 2.5%. Eventually, employees will contribute 5% while the government provides the balance.
To kick-start the programme, the state has provided a N1 billion take-off fund.
Chiedozie Egwuonwu, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency, described the scheme as a reflection of the government’s serious commitment to accessible and quality healthcare. He added that the coverage would include both routine and emergency services.
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