In an unyielding pursuit of achieving universal health coverage and leaving no one behind, the Acting State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Theodore Osas Ehannire, and his team embarked on a crucial advocacy visit to prominent traditional rulers in Edo North Senatorial District.
This initiative stems from the mandate of NHIA’s Director General and CEO, Prof MN Sambo, to extend their reach to grassroots communities and ensure comprehensive healthcare for all.
The NHIA team’s first stop was at the palace of the esteemed Otaru of Igarra, HRH Oba E. A. Saiki II (JP), where they were warmly received by His Majesty and his cabinet.
During fruitful discussions, Oba E. A. Saiki II (JP) expressed his gratitude towards the NHIA and its family for their proactive measures, especially considering the lack of a functional Primary Healthcare (PHC) facility in the area.
The Oba welcomed the initiative and reactivated the Mutual Health Association (MHA) unit of the community to collaborate with the available healthcare facility for seamless registration. This move ensures that the people of Igarra can benefit from the NHIA-GIFSHIP (Group Individual Family Social Health Insurance Programme).
He also urged the NHIA to sustain continuous awareness, emphasizing that it should not end up like previous MHA programs that became inactive. He also suggested the provision of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and souvenirs.
In another courtesy visit, Ehannire and his team visited the palace of the Okuokphelagbe of Okpella. They were warmly received by the council in chief, represented by the secretary and a village head, Zarki Yekini.
Yekini, on behalf of the council, also expressed their support for the NHIA-GIFSHIP program and pledged to ensure its extensive dissemination among the people of Okpella. They vowed to facilitate the registration process for the community.
