Benue Govt Pledges More Commitment To Attain Universal Health Coverage.

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards achieving Universal Health Coverage through sustainable healthcare financing.

The State commissioner for health and human services, Dr. Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche gave the assurance when management of AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN)- Public Health Initiatives donated over 150 flex banners to the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to boost public awareness and demand for enrollment into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme.

The donation, which took place at the Ministry's Headquarters in Makurdi, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen state ownership of healthcare programmes and ensure continuity of essential health services in the face of dwindling donor funding.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Benue State Government, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, described the intervention as timely and strategic, stating that the publicity materials would serve as an important communication tool in educating citizens on the benefits of health insurance and the range of services available at accredited health facilities.

Dr. Ogwuche commended APIN Public Health Initiatives for its consistent partnership and invaluable support to the health sector, stressing that the State Government is deliberately shifting towards sustainable healthcare financing through expanded health insurance coverage.

The  Health Commissioner explained that the present administration under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has made quality, affordable and accessible healthcare a cardinal pillar of its development agenda. 

He noted that expanding enrollment into the State Health Insurance Scheme is critical to realizing the Governor's vision of ensuring that every Benue citizen can access healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.

"The era where healthcare depended almost entirely on donor support is gradually giving way to stronger state systems built on sustainability, local ownership and shared responsibility. 

"The Ministry will  ensure equitable distribution of the banners to designated health facilities across the state to stimulate public awareness and increase enrollment into the scheme", Ogwuche stated.

Earlier, the APIN State Head of Office, Dr. Enebi Achimugwu, said the donation was informed by the need to create greater demand for health insurance services in facilities supported by APIN, especially at a time when development partners are transitioning from direct service delivery to strengthening government systems.

He observed that sustainable healthcare can only be achieved when citizens are empowered to enroll in health insurance, thereby reducing the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare spending.

 Dr. Achimugwu further disclosed that APIN is encouraging persons receiving HIV treatment and other eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the State Health Insurance Scheme by paying the affordable premium, enabling them to access comprehensive healthcare services while guaranteeing continuity of care.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Health Insurance Agency, Professor Kenneth Korver, represented by the Agency's Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Sunday Odagba, expressed appreciation to APIN for its unwavering partnership and support toward strengthening the health insurance programme in the state.

He appealed for sustained collaboration in expanding enrollment, particularly among workers in the formal sector, describing health insurance as the surest pathway to sustainable healthcare financing and improved health outcomes for the people of Benue State.

The event underscores the growing collaboration between the Benue State Government and development partners in advancing the Universal Health Coverage agenda, while reinforcing Governor Hyacinth Alia's commitment to building a resilient, people-centered healthcare system that is less dependent on donor funding and capable of delivering quality healthcare services to every resident of the state.

Present at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Cephas Hough; the Executive Secretary, Benue State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Matthew Onoja; the Director of Public Health, Dr. Joshua Agbadu; the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Solomon Wombo; senior officials of the Ministry, the Hospital Management Board, the Benue State Health Insurance Agency, APIN Public Health Initiatives, and other stakeholders in the health sector.