By Agbo Amauche, Abakaliki
The wife of Ebonyi state Governor, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru has declared a one month free genotype test for all categories in Ebonyi State, in order to tackle the problem of sickle cell anaemia in the state.
Mrs Nwifuru announced this during the launch of the enrollement of 100 sickle cell patients into the Ebonyi state health insurance agency (EBSHIA) in collaboration with the state ministry of health in Abakaliki, the State capital.
The Governor’s Wife noted that health care service delivery is part of the peoples’ charter of needs manifesto of the Executive Governor of the State Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and as such it is her ernest desire to promote health service delivery in Ebonyi state.
She described Sickle cell disease as a lifelong condition that requires consistent and often medical care, with high level of death which is very preventable if attended to properly and early, hence the decision to enroll the sickle cell warriors into the Ebonyi state health insurance scheme.
According to her “Today, I am here to flag off the enrollment of 100 sickle cell patients into Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency for easy and timely assessment of health care services to show our readiness in partnering with EBSHIA to give quality health care services to our people’.
Mrs. Nwifuru further explained that the enrollment shows their commitment to the people of the state towards providing quality health care delivery for all as encapsulated in the peoples charter of needs. It also shows that the current government will continue to ensure the attainment of Universal Health”
“The enrollment of 100 sickle cell patients into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency is a testament to our commitment to leaving no one behind. It is a pledge that in Ebonyi State, every citizen, regardless of their health status or economic circumstances, will have access to the healthcare they deserve”
While expressing her avowed commitment and determination to zero sickle cell disease in the State, Mrs Nwifuru charged chairpersons of the thirteen local Government Areas to move to their various Communities and villages and mobilize their people to take part in the exercise to fight the menace to the stand still.
Speaking during the event the commissioner for health, Dr Moses Ekuma, Dr Oluomachi Nnachi a Hematologist, Dr Nwukor Samuel a Consultant Pediatrician and Dr Uche Nwedu a Gynecologist explained that the sickle cell disorder affected both children and adults which usually transfered from parents to children and enjoined pregnant women suffering from the disease to always visit hospital to avoid complication during child birth.
Earlier in his remarks, the executive Secretary, Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, (EBSHIA) appreciated the wife of the Governor for her support and dedication to the quality health care service delivery.
He also gave an overview of the agency and how Ebonyians can benefit from it.
The occasion was used to honor the First Lady as a Health Insurance Ambassador by the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by top government functionaries, women group among others.