Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving healthcare access for civil servants through the launch of a comprehensive health insurance scheme in Abia State.
The governor made this known during the official flag-off of the 2025 Sound Intervention Hearing Mission, held at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti unveiled the Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme, which aims to provide thousands of civil servants and their families with 24/7 access to healthcare services at designated facilities across the state. He announced that the government would subsidize 50% of the premium for each enrollee over the next six months.
Highlighting the administration’s ongoing commitment to healthcare, the governor noted that Abia has consistently allocated 15% of its 2024 and 2025 budgets to the health sector, in line with the Abuja Declaration. These funds are directed toward infrastructure development, improved welfare for health personnel, and procurement of essential medical equipment and supplies.
“This initiative is designed to significantly reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for workers, discourage self-medication, and lessen the financial burden on families, especially in emergencies,” Otti stated.
The scheme will cover a broad range of services including diagnostics, surgeries, orthopaedics, paediatrics, obstetrics, and gynaecology—offered at subsidized rates.
Governor Otti emphasized that the broader vision is to establish a responsive healthcare system that serves all residents, irrespective of income level or geographic location. He urged public servants to register for the scheme and provide ongoing feedback to ensure its effectiveness.
Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo underscored the importance of regular hearing and vision check-ups as preventive health measures. Sharing a personal experience, he revealed that a medical test once showed he had 25% hearing loss, prompting him to begin using a hearing aid.
“I didn’t know I was partially deaf until I was tested. Regular screenings are vital,” he said.
Obasanjo commended the Abia State Government for its investment in healthcare and pledged support through his foundation.
The newly launched healthcare initiative includes three key components: the formal sector health insurance scheme, a statewide medical outreach program, and a hearing aid intervention aimed at expanding access to essential healthcare services.
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