The Ebonyi State Government in Nigeria’s South-East has initiated the payment of a 5% Consolidated Salary for all civil servants in the state, earmarked for their Health Insurance coverage.
Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony held at the Remeritona Hotel in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Patricia Obila, the Governor urged all civil servants to prioritise their health, emphasising his commitment to ensuring that Ebonyi residents receive quality healthcare services.
Dr. Divine Igwe, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), explained that while the government was initially responsible for paying 3.5% of the workers’ gross salary and workers were to pay 1.3%, the state government has decided to cover the entire percentage for the workers as a gesture of goodwill.
Dr. Igwe further noted that workers would only be required to cover 10% of the cost of drugs used in hospitals.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Professor Oguguo Egwu, lauded the initiative but suggested the formation of a committee to oversee health insurance activities for the workers.
Similarly, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chidi Igboji, praised Governor Nwifuru for prioritising Ebonyi civil servants in his administration.
Comrade Samson Nwafor, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressed gratitude to the governor for his support of workers’ welfare.
