The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, a non-governmental organization, established by the Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, says it will undertake the cost of enrollment of 1,000 persons living with disabilities in the state, under the State Health Insurance Scheme, ASHIA.
Mrs Soludo announced the procurement of the health premium during an interactive session with Persons with special needs at the governor’s lodge, Amawbia.
At the meeting, the beneficiaries were captured for biometrics and passport-sized photographs, before they were issued ASHIA identity cards.
Announcing the package, Mrs Soludo said the gesture showed that the government cares about Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, describing good health as the greatest wealth.
Maintaining that the Chukwuma Soludo’s administration appreciates the undying desire of the PWDs, to bring their best to the table of good governance, Mrs Soludo described them as an integral part of the present administration’s vision for the New Anambra Dream.
“I want to assure you that my husband’s administration takes notice of your existence and is working on something for you.
“A few months ago, I made a case for special provisions for people with special needs during recruitment processes in the state. My position was that those with special conditions should be given separate days to have their own time, space, and comfort to take part in the job processes.
“I have also been leading the campaign for our people to help persons with visual impairments. Having flagged off the White Cane Campaign In Anambra State last year, I immediately understood the immense responsibility of leading from the front.
“This free health insurance will be your passport to access the best medicare anywhere in Anambra State and live healthy all the way,” she said.
The Anambra First Lady urged the beneficiaries to use the health premium fully to their advantage.
“When you notice any sign of infirmity, do not waste time visiting your doctor.
“I also urge you to adopt our teachings on healthy living. Be mindful of what you eat, be selfish with your body, and always stay in the best shape. Raise your own gardens and avoid foods that do not meet pure organic requirements. Exercise in the way that you can. Teach people about the benefits of staying healthy and use yourself as a reference to its results. I’m counting on us to take this message home,” she said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State Disability Rights Commission, Barr Chuks Ezewuzie, noted that the town hall meeting was a deliberate demonstration of the governor’s wife’s love for persons with disabilities and genuine stride towards inclusivity.
According to him, the provision made available to members of the disability community, especially those at the grassroots, will help them remain healthy.
On his part, the State Chairman, of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, while commending the governor’s wife for the initiative of interacting with the PWDs, also used the occasion to raise awareness about the importance of empowering persons with disabilities and encouraging communities to take care of them.
“Some communities and government agencies do not know the importance of taking care of Persons with Disabilities when planning their programs and activities, thereby making us feel rejected and uncared for.
“We appeal that they should emulate you and our dear Governor in giving us a sense of belonging.
“It is through our collective efforts and unwavering commitment that we can break down barriers and create a more accessible and inclusive society for all,” he said.
In an exposition, the Managing Director of the State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi explained that the objective of government through ASHIA is to provide subsidized health services for the poor and vulnerable, adding that despite the high inflation, the cost of subscription for ASHIA has remained at N12,500 annually.
According to him, with the payment, enrollees will only have to pay 10 percent of the total cost of health services they received at their chosen health facilities.
Dr Onyemaechi appealed to wealthy Anambra people to embrace the adoption model initiated by the agency, which the governor’s wife had keyed into, to provide health services for the less privileged in their localities.
