Enugu State has continued to set a strong example in affordable and inclusive healthcare delivery as the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage (ESA-UHC) showcased its growing impact on residents and indigent citizens during the commemoration of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of ESA-UHC, Dr. Edith Okolo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that no resident is denied healthcare because of cost. She explained that the UHC Day celebration was aimed at renewing global and local resolve to achieve universal health coverage for all by 2030.
“We are committed to enrolling all residents of Enugu State into the Enugu State Universal Health Coverage Scheme, which is a mandatory social health insurance programme,” Dr. Okolo said. “For just ₦12,000 per person per year, enrollees gain access to a comprehensive benefits package that covers many of the major causes of sickness and death in our population.”
According to her, the scheme allows registered residents to access healthcare services anywhere in Enugu State, using both public and private healthcare providers. “Once you are enrolled and have paid your yearly ₦12,000, your enrolment card gives you access to care anywhere in the state, regardless of where you live,” she noted.
Dr. Okolo traced the agency’s journey to 2020, describing how ESA-UHC was built from scratch after her appointment in 2019. “There was no blueprint, no building, and no staff. Today, we operate from a fully equipped, 100 percent digital office, with computer-literate staff and automated processes,” she said, adding that the agency is determined to expand its reach even further.
She explained that residents can register online from their homes, visit ESA-UHC offices across the 17 local government areas, or enrol through primary healthcare centres in rural communities, ensuring that access is truly statewide.
Highlighting the agency’s impact, Dr. Okolo disclosed that every ward in Enugu State now has an accredited primary healthcare centre providing services under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund for vulnerable persons, with about 54,000 enrollees currently benefiting from federal support.
She also revealed that through the Adoption and Diaspora Programme, individuals and institutions sponsor beneficiaries to receive free healthcare. “At the moment, 6,949 persons are receiving care at no cost through the support of sponsors,” she said.
Other initiatives include the Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Programme for students and the Informal Sector Programme for residents who are neither civil servants nor classified as vulnerable. Dr. Okolo announced that the Formal Sector Programme, which will cover state and local government workers and their families, is scheduled for launch next year.
Emphasising the affordability of the scheme, she said, “Healthcare is expensive today, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, yet all these are covered. Even Caesarean section deliveries, which cost at least ₦400,000, are covered under our scheme. The woman only pays the ₦12,000 enrolment fee.”
She urged residents not to delay enrolment, assuring them of constant support through the agency’s toll-free lines.
Chairman of the event and Enugu State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Ken Chukwuemeka Ogbu, described Universal Health Coverage as a fundamental human right. “Health is a right, not a privilege. Universal Health Coverage ensures that everyone can access the care they need without financial hardship,” he said.
Dr. Ogbu praised ESA-UHC’s leadership, noting, “Within two months of working closely with this agency, I concluded that it is exceptionally strong. That strength comes from the firm and capable leadership of the CEO. What you do here is measurable and verifiable, and I urge you to continue working together to achieve UHC before 2030.”
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engineer Pastor Belovedan Anike, who was honoured as a Champion of Universal Health Coverage.
Speaking on his behalf, the council secretary, Barrister Uche Mbeke, said the award reflected the local government’s deliberate investment in healthcare. “Last year, we enrolled about 5,000 residents and indigent persons of Enugu East into the Universal Health Insurance Scheme,” he said.
“This means that our people, especially the indigent, now access healthcare services, including childbirth, at no cost,” Mbeke added, attributing the success to the support of the Enugu State Government under His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah and alignment with the governor’s primary healthcare initiatives.
He further disclosed that Enugu East Local Government Area is implementing Type 1 Primary Healthcare projects in five communities, with completion levels already at 80 to 85 percent.
“We are delighted to receive this award. It reaffirms our commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots,” he said, while commending ESA-UHC for its dedication and impact.
Other recipients include the Chairman of Isi Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu.
In the Healthcare Providers category, ESA-UHC honoured Dr. Jovita Okafor of Divine Grace Hospital and Maternity and Prof. Uche Amazigo of Goodwill Medical Centre for their outstanding service delivery and commitment to quality healthcare under the scheme.
Awards were also presented in the Local Government Liaison Officers/Focal Persons category to:
- Agbo Jude (Udenu LGA)
- Nwonu Modesta (Awgu LGA)
- Nnaji Eucharia (Enugu East LGA Focal Person)
Some of the awardees
In addition, the agency recognised exceptional grassroots healthcare workers in the Best Officers-in-Charge of Primary Healthcare Centres category. The awardees were:
- Chineke Betta (Onuogba Health Centre)
- Agu Stella (Ugbo Ezeji Health Centre)
- Ezido Mary (Aku Health Centre)
- Ugwu Scholastica (Ukpabi Nimbo Health Centre)
- Ogbu Peter (Ndeabor Health Centre)
- Uche Obioma (Olo Health Centre)
With affordable premiums, free services for the vulnerable, and expanding coverage across all wards, ESA-UHC is steadily redefining access to healthcare in Enugu State—proving that quality healthcare can indeed be accessible, inclusive, and affordable for all.
