The Cross River State Government has commenced the training of staff of the State Health Insurance Scheme in order to ensure increased enrolment of beneficiaries into the scheme.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Betta Edu flagged off the capacity building workshop and urged the workers to adopt new strategies for attracting enrolees for the recently launched health insurance scheme in the state.
Dr. Edu, who noted that one million citizens were expected to be captured on the scheme, said “our target is to make healthcare affordable for all. I commend the Cross River Health Insurance Agency and its management for taking every step to enhance enrolment. You have recorded huge successes within your first month of operation.
“I also commend our health workers for the zeal displayed. As a state, we remain committed to provide our people with quality services as we strive towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage”.
She advised the participants to strategize and get the support of influential citizens and leaders who would encourage their people to enrol and obtain quality as well as all-round available services.
Quality services
The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong assured the people of quality and improved healthcare services.
She said that for trust to be established with the beneficiaries of the insurance scheme, the quality of services must remain paramount.
“If people can walk into any facility without financial hardship with guaranteed quality health delivery and experience the right attitude to work, I tell you, the success of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme will be one to reckon with. It is also the reason for upgrading our facilities to meet the expected pressure,” she said.
Health security
The Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance agency, Godwin Iyala reminded the participants that the scheme was established to provide quality health security for the less privileged in society.
Iyala also said that with the collaboration of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the insurance scheme was expected to provide cover for infectious and non-infectious diseases, maternal and neonatal health amongst others.
He advised the staff to be innovative in their approach so as to attract more clients.
The participants were appreciative of the agency’s efforts aimed at equipping them with the requisite skills and knowledge to achieve greater results.
Nneka Ukachukwu
