By Kingsley Agim
Poised to improve healthcare accessibility, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North Senatorial District, has funded a one-year free health insurance coverage for 500 constituents across the five Local Government Areas of his district.
The initiative, #JariCare Health Insurance, is designed to provide unhindered access to quality medical care, ensuring that beneficiaries receive essential health services without financial hardship. Senator Jarigbe emphasized that this intervention transcends political affiliations, reaffirming his commitment to prioritizing the well-being of his people above partisan considerations.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony held at General Hospital, Ogoja, recently, Senator Jarigbe, represented by Esther Ellah, CEO of Dazzle Empowerment Initiative, implored beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme while urging them to ensure proper identification when accessing medical services to facilitate seamless healthcare delivery.
The lawmaker described the initiative as the initial phase of a broader humanitarian endeavour aimed at fortifying healthcare accessibility within the region.
“Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. While politics plays a role in governance, true leadership is measured by direct impact on people’s lives. This initiative is about securing health and dignity, not political gains,” he asserted.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, the agency’s Director General, commended Senator Jarigbe’s unwavering dedication to public health.
He emphasized that the intervention aligns seamlessly with Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘People First’ agenda and assured that rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms would be implemented to guarantee the judicious allocation of funds.
Iyala further encouraged beneficiaries to become advocates of the scheme, highlighting its far-reaching impact on individual well-being and the broader socio-economic landscape. He also extended a call to philanthropists, corporate entities, and political leaders to emulate Senator Jarigbe’s proactive approach, stressing that social health insurance is a critical safeguard against the financial strain of out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Dr. Ugbe Christopher, Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ogoja, speaking on behalf of medical professionals in the district, described the initiative as “a transformative intervention that will bridge critical gaps in healthcare access for indigent constituents.”
He commended Senator Jarigbe’s sustained efforts in strengthening the healthcare sector and assured the public that healthcare professionals remain committed to providing quality medical services. He further challenged his colleagues to optimize this opportunity to ensure that every beneficiary receives the highest standard of care.
For many beneficiaries, this intervention is not just a policy—it is a lifeline amid economic adversity.
Joseph Odey, a retired civil servant, expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing the initiative as “a timely intervention that will alleviate financial burdens and provide much-needed medical security.”
Other constituents echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the scheme would safeguard families from the devastating costs of medical emergencies.
Following the official presentation, the Health Insurance Agency swiftly deployed personnel to designated registration centres, ensuring the prompt enrollment of beneficiaries and reinforcing the efficiency of the initiative’s rollout.
