Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo on Saturday announced N250 million as the start-up capital for health insurance scheme in the state.
He described health insurance scheme as a necessity for quality life and should be embraced by individuals, governments, and corporate organisations.
Okorocha made the announcement at the official flag-off ceremony of Imo State Health Insurance Scheme (IMSHIS) held at the Trade and Investment Centre, Owerri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flag-off was at the instance of the Imo State Ministry of Health incollaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The governor said the health insurance scheme would enable one to access health care services at all times as somebody somewhere had already paid for the services and urged all to embrace it.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Dr Kinsgley Ashiegbu, described the take-off of the scheme as an epoch making event which would redefine health care in Imo.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu, said it would help protect the population of the country and ensure that the best primary health care was provided with subsidy for the poor who would not be able to pay.
Dr Angela Uwakwen, the state Commissioner for Health, said that with the flag-off of the scheme, qualitative and affordable health care for Imo citizens were set for full realisation and enjoined the people to key into it as some hospitals would be accredited for the purpose.
John Onyeokoro, the Executive Secretary, Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), said that increased investment in health and human capital development were drivers of economic development.
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