By Kingsley Agim
The impact of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme was once again demonstrated as Cynthia Osam, a young woman from Iyamoyong in Obubra Local Government Area, successfully underwent two life-saving surgeries on Wednesday, thanks to the state’s improved healthcare system.
The procedures were performed by Dr. Ekon Francis at General Hospital Obubra.
He praised the state’s health insurance scheme as one of the government’s most transformative initiatives, ensuring that residents receive quality medical care without the burden of excessive costs., emphasising that the scheme provides financial protection against high medical expenses, granting enrollees access to preventive care, prescription medications, emergency services, and essential treatments at little to no cost.
Dr. Francis highlighted that the insurance plan also covers maternity and newborn care, significantly improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Additionally, it includes mental health services, reinforcing the government’s commitment to holistic healthcare. Above all, he described the program as a vital safety net that offers individuals and families peace of mind, knowing their medical needs are covered.
Speaking on Cynthia Osam’s case, Dr. Francis explained that she was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and degenerated fibroids, both requiring urgent surgical intervention.
“We had a patient with acute appendicitis and degenerated fibroids. The surgeries were successful,” he stated, stressing that the health insurance scheme played a crucial role in enabling timely and effective treatment.
He further emphasized that expanding access to health insurance would save more lives, making quality healthcare a right for all Cross Riverians rather than a privilege.
Cynthia’s mother, Mrs. Cecelia Osam, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for enhancing healthcare accessibility.
She also commended Commissioner Oden Ewa for enrolling her daughter in the health insurance scheme, describing the initiative as a lifesaver.
Without it, she noted, her family would have struggled to afford the medical procedures.
Reacting to the development at Obubra General Hospital, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, welcomed the news and called on well-to-do individuals to invest in the healthcare needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Chief Iyala expressed optimism that more success stories like Osam’s would continue to emerge, as increasing numbers of individuals and organizations are now adopting health insurance coverage for their communities.
The success of Osam’s surgeries underscores the Cross River State Government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
