Sen. Jarigbe Expands Access To Healthcare As 500 Constituents Benefit From One Year Free Insurance Coverage
By Ebi COLLINS
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has sponsored one-year-free health insurance coverage for 500 constituents across the five local government areas of Cross River north senatorial district.
This bold step is aimed towards achieving accessible and affordable healthcare.
According to the lawmaker, the initiative, #JariCare Health Insurance, transcends political divides and provides essential medical support to residents, reaffirming his commitment to prioritizing the well-being of his people over political interests.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony held at General Hospital, Ogoja, Senator Jarigbe, represented by Esther Ellah, CEO of Dazzle Empowerment Initiative, enjoined beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme.
The legislator emphasised the importance of proper identification when accessing healthcare services to ensure seamless delivery, while cautioning against actions that could jeopardise the programme’s sustainability.
The Senator described the initiative as the first phase of a broader humanitarian effort aimed at improving healthcare access in the region.
“Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. While politics plays a role in governance, not all politicians choose to directly impact the lives of their people. This initiative is about saving lives, not gaining political mileage,” he stated.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, the agency’s Director General, applauded Senator Jarigbe for his unwavering commitment to healthcare.
He noted that the intervention aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘People First’ agenda and assured that strict monitoring and evaluation would be enforced to ensure accountability and proper utilization of funds.
Iyala urged beneficiaries to become ambassadors of the scheme, emphasising its long-term impact on public health and economic stability.
He also called on philanthropists and political leaders to follow Senator Jarigbe’s example, stressing that social health insurance is the most sustainable way to prevent financial hardship caused by medical expenses.
Dr. Ugbe Christopher, Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ogoja, speaking on behalf of healthcare professionals in the district, described the initiative as “a game-changer for constituents who struggle to afford quality medical care.”
He commended Senator Jarigbe’s consistent efforts in strengthening healthcare systems and reassured the public of medical personnel’s dedication to delivering quality services.
He further challenged his colleagues to maximize this opportunity by ensuring that every beneficiary receives the best possible care.
For many, this initiative is more than just a policy—it’s a lifeline. Joseph Odey, a retired civil servant, expressed gratitude, calling the intervention “a timely and much-needed relief in these tough economic times."
Other beneficiaries shared similar sentiments, emphasizing how the scheme would ease financial burdens and provide crucial medical support for families in need.
Following the ceremony, the Health Insurance Agency swiftly mobilised staff to designated enrollment centers to ensure the immediate onboarding of beneficiaries, reinforcing the program’s efficiency and impact.
