By Kingsley Agim
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of the Cross River Northern Senatorial District has sponsored one year of free healthcare coverage for 500 constituents across the five local government areas comprising the senatorial district.
The senator, emphasizing that the initiative—#JariCare Health Insurance—transcends political affiliations, noted that health challenges are inevitable. He reiterated that his efforts are solely dedicated to the well-being of his people, rather than being tied to any political agenda.
Represented by Esther Ellah, Chief Executive Officer of Dazzle Empowerment Initiative, at the cheque presentation ceremony held recently at General Hospital, Ogoja, Senator Jarigbe urged beneficiaries to take the program seriously and refrain from any actions that could compromise its success. He also underscored the importance of proper identification when accessing care to ensure seamless service delivery.
He stated that the initiative, which marks the first phase, aligns with broader humanitarian efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare access in the region. Encouraging constituents to fully utilize the medical coverage, he remarked, “While politics plays a role, not all politicians invest their resources directly into the well-being of their people.”
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, the agency’s Director General, commended Senator Jarigbe for his unwavering commitment to public health, beginning with the adoption of 500 individuals into the insurance scheme.
He emphasized that the senator’s intervention aligns seamlessly with Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda and assured that the agency’s robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms would guarantee that every Naira spent is directed toward its intended purpose.
Iyala further urged beneficiaries to serve as ambassadors of the scheme, stressing that its benefits and ripple effects would positively impact the state at large.
He also called on other well-meaning individuals to emulate Senator Jarigbe’s initiative by investing in healthcare for the poor and vulnerable, reiterating that social health insurance remains the most viable strategy for financial stability and protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.
In a vote of thanks, Dr. Ugbe Christopher, Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ogoja, speaking on behalf of his colleagues in the region, expressed profound gratitude to Senator Jarigbe for his timely and transformative intervention. He described it as “a significant initiative with immense benefits for constituents.”
He commended the senator’s unwavering dedication to strengthening the healthcare sector and acknowledged that words alone could not adequately capture the depth of appreciation for his contributions.
Recognizing the initiative’s significance, Dr. Ugbe challenged himself and fellow medical personnel to maximize this opportunity by ensuring efficient and effective healthcare delivery. He assured the senator and the public that healthcare workers remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering quality services in the best interest of the people.
For many beneficiaries, this initiative represents a critical lifeline amidst prevailing economic hardships. Mr. Joseph Odey, a retired civil servant from the district, lauded Senator Jarigbe’s generosity, 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 program would protect families from the devastating financial strain of medical emergencies.
Immediate Enrollment for Beneficiaries
Following the event, the Health Insurance Agency swiftly deployed its personnel to designated registration centers, ensuring the prompt enrollment of beneficiaries and reinforcing the efficiency of the scheme’s rollout.
