Not relenting in the resolve to get everyone covered in ensuring universal health coverage, the Ag. State Coordinator, NHIA, Edo State, Mr. Theodore Osas Ehannire and his team took the advocacy visit to top traditional rulers in Edo North Senatorial District.
This is part of the DG/CEO NHIA, Prof MN Sambo’s mandate to reach the grassroots and ensure no one is left behind.
The NHIA’s team first point of call was the palace of the Otaru of Igarra, HRH Oba E. A. Saiki II (JP), where the team was received by his Majesty and his cabinet.
After due deliberation, Oba E A Saiki II (JP) in his remark thanked the DG NHIA and the NHIA family for the initiative especially when there’s a nonfunctional Primary Healthcare (PHC) facility for Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) use in the vicinity.
HRH remarked that it’s a welcome idea and did reactivate the Mutual Health Association (MHA) unit of the community to liaise with the available healthcare facility to ensure registration is carried out, so that the people of Igarra can benefit from the NHIA-GIFSHIP (Group Individual Family Social Health Insurance Programme).
The council in chief urged NHIA to ensure the awareness is sustained and made regular, noting that it shouldn’t be like another MHA program that came and went moribund. He also suggested Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, and souvenirs be made available.
In another courtesy visit, Ehannire and his team were at the palace of the Okuokphelagbe of Okpella. The secretary and a village head, Zarki Yekini on behalf of the council in chief and other members, received the NHIA team.
Yekini on behalf of the council in chief also noted it’s a welcome development and promised to ensure the NHIA-GIFSHIP news go round appropriately and the people of Okpella be duly registered.
The NHIA-GIFSHIP is the initiative of the Director General, NHIA, Prof MN Sambo. It is a novel program aimed at reaching the informal Sector so that no one will be left behind.
