CRSHIA, HUWIB Partner to Expand Health Insurance Access in Cross River

By Ebi COLLINS 

The Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA), in collaboration with Humanity Without Borders (HUWIB) Empowerment Initiative, has launched the Formal Sector Continuous Enrollment and Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), a programme aimed at broadening access to affordable healthcare services across the state.

According to CRSHIA’s Director General, Chief Godwin Iyala, the scheme, rolled out with the support of the Office of the First Lady and CRSHIA Brand Ambassador, Bishop (Dr.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, is designed to deliver quality health insurance to every citizen, including those in the most remote communities.

Iyala explained that beneficiaries will have access to a wide range of services such as HIV care, hypertension and malaria management, immunization, tuberculosis treatment, family planning, and other essential interventions. Referral to higher-level health facilities has also been built into the package to ensure continuity of care.

“The initiative targets civil and public servants at both state and local government levels, children aged zero to five, pregnant women, vulnerable groups, persons living with disabilities, and senior citizens from 60 years and above. Enrollment is currently ongoing at all 196 Primary Health Care Centres across the state,” Iyala said.

He emphasized that possession of a National Identification Number (NIN) is a strict requirement for enrollment, stressing that “no NIN means no health insurance.”

Reaffirming the agency’s mission, Iyala noted that the initiative reflects the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration’s determination to safeguard the lives of Cross Riverians by promoting universal access to affordable healthcare.