January 26, (THEWILL) – The Ben Akak Foundation has enrolled 500 rural dwellers in Odukpani LGA into the Ayade Care Health Insurance Scheme.
In addition, a water facility was also provided to traders at the Watt Market in Calabar.
With the enrollment, beneficiaries of the scheme would no longer have to pay from their pockets to get their health restored.
They will be provided highly subsidised health services by all medical facilities in the state which are part of the Ayade Care Insurance Scheme.
The insurance is the second phase of the programme which is in support of the scheme that was launched by the state governor, Professor Ayade.
Speaking during the flag off ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Ben Akak Foundation, Engineer Ben Akak said the programme was brought to the area to ease the sufferings of the people.
“This programme was brought to Odukpani because of the sufferings of the people with regards healthcare.
“What I’m doing right now is to achieve quality healthcare for our people as almost everyone is driving towards achieving universal adult health coverage where everyone is not supposed to pay out of their pockets to get their health restored.
“Health they say is wealth, with good health a lot can be achieved in this state. When the people are healthy, the state is sure of having a good labour force.
“When a labour force is in order, everyone is bound to contribute his or her quota towards the development and growth of the state and the nation at large” Akak maintained.
In his response, Dr. Godwin Iyala, the Director General of the State Health Insurance Agency commended the foundation for intervening in the healthcare of the rural dwellers.
He said the insurance scheme is designed to put money back into the pockets of the people.
Also speaking, Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, the Chairman of the House Committee on health said the challenge of quality healthcare is poor funding.
He said more people will have access to healthcare and the gap in delivery is gradually being bridged.
At Watt Market, a bore hole was also launched to provide water to traders plying their trade in the market.
Engineer Akak said the water project is an opportunity to do something for the people and he hopes to do more.
He also promised to undertake an empowerment programme for market women in the state.
Kokoma Etim, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation said the project was aimed at ameliorating the plight of traders who trek long distances to fetch water.
She said with the launch of the project the plight of the traders has been ameliorated.
The launching was graced by the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Muri Professor Itam Hogan Itam as well as officials of the Calabar South Local government council.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
