Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has launched the innovative Mobile Health Insurance Programme in Owerri, the state capital.
The initiative has been designed with support from the World Health Organisation, to achieve seamless coverage of the over 96 per cent population in the Nigerian state’s informal sector on health insurance while reducing the existing out-of-pocket expenditure of 92 per cent.
The mobile platforms, in addition, provide automated opportunities for philanthropists to graciously adopt the poor and vulnerable on health insurance.
At the launch, Governor Uzodinma appreciated the leadership role of WHO in Imo health sector and globally, especially in the ongoing fight against the Cornavirus Disease.
He added that the state government depended strongly on the genuine and constructive partnership of WHO towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Uzodinma stressed that WHO supported the state, with the design and flag-off of the scheme, which culminated in the launch of the use of mobile phone technology to pay for and access health insurance, the first of its kind in Africa towards ensuring that people get quality health services, where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship.
He restated his commitment to repositioning the health sector in the state, while requesting WHO’s renewed partnership in “PHC revitalisation, full implementation of the state’s health insurance scheme to provide access to essential healthcare to Imo citizens at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care, revamping of health security, emergency preparedness and response, and overhaul of the drug revolving scheme to eliminate the issue of fake or substandard drugs in our hospitals.”
Speaking at the event, WHO Nigeria Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, appreciated the government of Imo for placing the health of her people on the frontburners.
While recognising that COVID-19 has further exposed the vulnerabilities of the global health systems, he pledged WHO’s continuous support within the 13 general programme of work and the State Health Strategic Development Plan.
According to Dr. Mulmbo, WHO recognises the peculiar needs of each population from others, and thus makes deliberate efforts to fashion out the health system that works for them based on their needs.
He appreciated the level of political commitment to health in the state and expressed confidence that, if sustained, the state and WHO would promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
