The Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has taken another step toward inclusive healthcare by presenting health insurance enrollment cards to ancillary staff of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) and people living with HIV across the state.
The presentation ceremony, held on Thursday at the Agency’s headquarters in Calabar, officially marks the start of access to healthcare benefits for the newly enrolled beneficiaries under the state’s social health insurance scheme.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of CRSHIA, Chief Godwin Iyala, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for approving the inclusion of HIV/AIDS services in the state’s health insurance benefit package.
“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for approving the inclusion of HIV coverage in the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme. This decision clearly shows a government that puts the health and wellbeing of its people first,” Iyala said.
He also commended ECEWS for entrusting the Agency with the health insurance coverage of its ancillary staff, noting that such partnerships are essential to improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Chief Iyala reaffirmed the commitment of the Otu-led administration to expanding insurance coverage and improving access to quality healthcare.
He further acknowledged the advocacy efforts of the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu, particularly through Humanity Without Borders (HUWIB).
“Her Excellency has remained consistent in championing initiatives that support the most vulnerable in our society, from free medical outreaches to the inclusion of HIV/AIDS services under the insurance scheme,” he said.
He disclosed that 435 people living with HIV were enrolled into the scheme in December, with 227 enrollment cards issued in the first batch. According to him, beneficiaries are expected to begin accessing healthcare services from March 2026.
“This is a clear demonstration of our resolve to ensure that no one is left behind. We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity and enroll, so they can avoid catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenses,” Iyala added.
In her remarks, the Associate Director of Programme Management at ECEWS, Mrs. Francisca Mba, conveyed the goodwill of the State Director, Dr. Joe Umana, and commended the Cross River State Government for the initiative.
She expressed satisfaction with the enrollment process, noting that the organisation was pleased to receive notification that enrollment cards for its ancillary staff were ready.
“This scheme reflects the government’s strong commitment to delivering quality healthcare to its people,” she said.
Mrs. Mba also praised the inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS in the benefit package, describing it as a major boost to the sustainability of the state’s HIV response.
“The provision of a benefit package for people living with HIV is highly commendable. It improves access to care, ensures affordability, and significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenses, especially during emergencies,” she noted.
She concluded by commending the leadership and staff of CRSHIA for their professionalism and diligence during the enrollment exercise across various local government areas.
“The Director-General and his team demonstrated a high level of professionalism in ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries were properly enrolled. We are grateful for the collaboration,” she said.