Cross River Leads Health Reform Drive with Bold Commitment to People-Centred Insurance
By Judex Okoro
In a resounding display of political will and stakeholder collaboration, the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has taken a significant step toward transforming healthcare delivery in the state. At a two-day capacity-building workshop for its Governing Board and Management Staff, participants committed to building a health system that places people before politics—driven by equity, transparency, and innovation.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, set the tone for the event with a powerful message titled “Daring to Transform: Building a Health System that Puts People Before Politics.” He affirmed that healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and how that right is upheld reflects the soul of any government.
“This workshop must be more than a routine exercise; it must be a platform for transformation,” Bisong declared, urging participants to connect policy with the lived realities of ordinary Cross Riverians—market women, farmers, teachers, and vulnerable children whose futures depend on an efficient and inclusive health system.
Drawing lessons from international models, Bisong spotlighted Rwanda’s community-based insurance, Ghana’s legal-backed NHIS, Taiwan’s tech-driven universal coverage, and Indonesia’s phased implementation strategy. He emphasized that these nations did not succeed because they had more resources, but because they had the vision, discipline, and courage to prioritize their citizens.
To mirror such success, Bisong proposed a strategic blueprint anchored on six pillars: deep community ownership, equitable and scalable financing, digital transformation through technologies like biometric smart cards, transparent and accountable governance, continuous professional development, and rigorous performance tracking.
“Health insurance must never be politicized,” Bisong warned. “Health is life, and life is sacred. We must insulate our system from political interference and ensure it is guided by compassion, evidence, and results.”
He pledged continued legislative support to strengthen CRSHIA, reform healthcare financing, and safeguard the agency’s institutional independence.
Also addressing the gathering, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, emphasized that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu places high priority on the health and wellbeing of citizens. He described the health insurance initiative as a key vehicle for achieving universal health coverage and commended CRSHIA’s efforts in expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare. He reassured participants of the Governor’s ongoing support to make the agency a national model.
CRSHIA Director General, Chief Godwin Iyala, praised Governor Otu for his strong vision and commitment to health reform, noting that the agency is fast becoming a hub of innovation and best practices in health insurance. He urged participants to absorb and apply the insights shared during the workshop, stressing that the agency’s growth and success depend on the knowledge, capacity, and collective will of its leadership.
Chairperson of the Governing Board, Mrs. Comfort Ekanem, echoed the DG’s sentiments, noting that health insurance is the financial backbone of the healthcare system. She emphasized that the goal is not just to hold trainings, but to ensure that the scheme reaches and benefits every citizen, particularly the most vulnerable and those in the informal sector. She called on board members to make health insurance a household name in Cross River State and to be agents of awareness and change in their communities.
Representing the Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, the Agency’s Permanent Secretary, Barr. Enakirerhi, spoke passionately about the grassroots realities faced by ordinary citizens. Sharing a poignant story of a woman unable to afford ₦200 for medical care, she underscored the life-saving role that functional health insurance must play. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting CRSHIA and eliminating financial barriers to care.
Also present at the workshop was Hon. Barr. Elizabeth Uki Ogbaga, Chairperson of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, who led a delegation from her state to learn from Cross River’s emerging model. She stressed the importance of cross-state collaboration and information sharing, especially in addressing shared challenges like maternal and child mortality. According to her, both states must treat these health crises as emergencies and work together to develop practical solutions.
In a goodwill message on behalf of Dr. Bong Duke, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Special Adviser on Universal Health Coverage, Dr. David Ushie, announced key initiatives to enhance transparency and accountability. These include the launch of a new customer feedback platform and a tech-driven monitoring system to track provider performance and patient outcomes. He also advocated for corporate social responsibility partnerships to support the agency’s long-term sustainability.
Elder statesman and former government official, Chief Peter Ojie, offered a reflective and inspiring contribution. Drawing on his own experience in setting up the state’s primary healthcare framework, he emphasized the importance of preparation, stakeholder engagement, and building trust—particularly with informal sector workers. Using the metaphor of a man who sharpens his axe for hours before cutting down a tree, he reminded participants that effective health reform begins with careful planning and continuous learning.
The workshop concluded with a unified call to action: to build a health insurance system that works for everyone—one that delivers real results, earns public trust, and leaves no one behind.
As the health sector evolves, CRSHIA stands at the forefront of this transformation, empowered by leadership, strengthened by collaboration, and inspired by a shared vision—to make Cross River State a beacon of health equity and innovation in Nigeria.
