The ImoCare Health Insurance Programme, launched by the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), has successfully enrolled 2.7 million residents within just two and a half years of operation. This achievement was announced by Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary and CEO of IMSHIA, during his keynote address at a stakeholders’ engagement organized by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
The event brought together key figures in the healthcare sector to discuss strategies for expanding coverage, strengthening partnerships, and addressing the challenges of healthcare financing in Imo State.
Support from the Governor
Ewelike attributed the success of the ImoCare program to the strong support of Governor Hope Uzodimma, highlighting his political will as the driving force behind the progress of the health insurance scheme. The IMSHIA CEO emphasized that the agency is committed to providing value for money, promoting financial risk protection, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for residents seeking medical care.
Focused on Universal Health Coverage
The ultimate goal of the program, according to Ewelike, is to ensure that every resident of Imo State has access to quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services. He also assured stakeholders that IMSHIA would continue pursuing innovation, building stronger collaborations with the NHIA and other partners, and aligning its efforts with the broader vision of the state government to achieve universal health coverage for all Imo residents.
Addressing Challenges and Pushing Forward
Ewelike acknowledged the criticism that often accompanies the initiative, saying, “When we make efforts to create a system locally that works for us here in Imo, all we get are politically jaundiced insults and attacks. The truth is, when we bow out, you will know the difference.”
He also expressed the agency’s focus on improving maternal healthcare in the state, stressing that no woman in Imo should die during childbirth. The health insurance scheme has already added 12,600 new enrollees in the current period, and efforts to provide essential health services continue without delay.
Ewelike concluded by reinforcing IMSHIA’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring that the health insurance system works for the people of Imo State. “Let’s save lives together,” he urged, emphasizing that the success of the strategy used in the state should not be undermined.
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