... donates N250m as seed fund
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In a bid to ensure a universal health coverage for all citizens, Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, yesterday launched the state comprehensive health insurance scheme, christened Ayadecare.
The scheme which also targets the vulnerable as well as the zero income earners in the state got N250 million as seed fund from Governor Ayade.
While the governor donated N200 million on behalf of the state, the sum of N50 million was on behalf of Ayade and his family.
Speaking at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, venue of the launch, the governor said the May 28 launch, a day set aside to celebrate the Nigerian children was deliberate as it sought to give priority to children and women who are the vulnerable in the society
"The state will invest heavily in the scheme to ensure quality and affordable health care services for our people", Ayade said, while advocating for Federal Government support to ensure the success of the programme in the state.
Justifying the launch of the scheme, the Governor said "the scheme is a clear indication that the state is in the right path to ensuring prosperity and better health services for the people. Our children must have access to the scheme and the launch of the programme on Children's Day is to celebrate the children who are leaders of tomorrow. "
Ayade, while commending the lawmakers from both the National and State House of Assembly for offering to subscribe for 500 persons in each of their political wards, noted that the scheme will take care of the very poor in the society.
Also speaking, the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. John Gaul Lebo, commended Ayade for the scheme, noting that with the launch, the governor had shown a strong commitment to a better health care in the state.
The speaker assured the governor of continuous legislative support for the scheme in the state.
In his remarks, Special Adviser on Insurance, Chief Godwin Iyala, commended Governor Ayade for the initiative, and disclosed that the scheme was designed to put more money in the pockets of Cross Riverians.
According to Iyala, an average family in Cross River spends at least N25,000 monthly on health and that by "this scheme, we are determined to ensure health governance. It is to ensure affordable and qualit healthcare. Cross Riverians are very happy with the governor. The universal health care is now at our door steps and we will ensure it succeeds."
Director-General of the state Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Betta Edu said Ayade has taken measures with the launch of the scheme to improve the health care of Cross Riverians
According to her, "less than five percent of Cross Riverians have access to health care. It will enhance quality and affordable healthcare"
A representative of the National Health Insurance Scheme, commended the governor for the scheme, noting that it was to provide safety net for the needy in the society and guarantee improved health. He assured the state of the Federal Government's support to ensure the success of the programme.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong said the launch of the scheme was in fulfillment of the governor's deep vision for healthcare in Cross River State.
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