Ebonyi gov’s wife enrols 10,000 pregnant women in health insurance scheme

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has enrolled ten thousand pregnant women into the state health insurance scheme, EBSHA, to avert complications and maternal death during child delivery.

Mrs. Nwifuru who addressed thousands of pregnant women that hails from the 13 LGAs at the official flag- off of the EBSHA enrollment held at WDC Abakaliki, said the state government is committed to the health, safety, and dignity of every woman and child in the State. 

According to her: “The Flag-Off Ceremony of the Enrollment of 10,000 Pregnant Women into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme (EBSHIS) by BERWO Foundation.

“Today, we gather not only to launch a program, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to the health, safety, and dignity of every woman and child in Ebonyi State. 

“When I stood before you early last year to launch the enrollment of 4,078 pregnant women into the same Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme, it was the beginning of a promise, a promise to take healthcare to every home, every ward, and every woman who needs it most.

“That first phase was a success. It gave thousands of women across our 13 local government areas the opportunity to access quality antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal services, all without the burden of cost. It saved lives, restored hope, and gave confidence to families who once saw healthcare as a privilege beyond their reach.

“Today, we build on that success. We are not slowing down; we are expanding the circle of care, which enrolls 10,000 pregnant women across the 171 wards of Ebonyi State, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no mother dies while giving life and no child is denied a chance to live healthy because of poverty.

“This intervention, spearheaded through a strong collaboration between BERWO Foundation and EBSHIA, is a health and social protection effort. It ensures that every enrolled woman receives antenatal care, delivery services, postnatal care, and emergency medical attention, all fully covered under the state health insurance plan. 

“This is not just an act of governance; it is an act of love, empathy, and faith in the strength of our women. Because when a woman is healthy, her family thrives. And when families thrive, our communities prosper.

“To our dear pregnant mothers, this initiative is for you. I encourage you to make full use of this opportunity. Ensure that you register, attend your antenatal appointments, and deliver in accredited health facilities. 

“Your safety and that of your babies are precious to us. Let this be a turning point for better health choices and greater trust in the healthcare system.

“My fellow Ebonyians, this program reaffirms our government’s commitment, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It is a testament to what can be achieved when government policy meets compassion and purpose. 

“We will continue to sustain this through medical outreaches, free surgeries, maternal and child health programs, and community-based health insurance drives, to ensure that no one in Ebonyi State is left without access to quality healthcare” she stressed.