No More Begging on Social Media for Medical Bills”: Ewelike Urges Imo Residents to Enroll in Health Insurance as 2.7 Million Slots Open

By Tochukwu Ibeh 

TA to ES/CEO, IMSHIA.

In a stirring call to action, the Chief Executive Officer of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, has urged residents of Imo State to seize the opportunity to enroll in the ongoing ImoCare Health Insurance Program by the Imo State Government, which targets 2.7 million Imolites.

Speaking during an inspection visit to enrollment centers in Owerri, Dr. Ewelike delivered a heartfelt message that resonated deeply with many as he remarked that no one should have to beg strangers on social media to save the life of a loved one while describing the enrollment of 2.7 million people into health insurance by Imo State Government as a lifeline for Ndi Imo to protect their families and loved ones against financial hardships inherent in accessing quality medical care.

Dr Ewelike emphasized that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s bold and ambitious move to enroll 2.7 million people into health insurance is not only unprecedented, but a game-changer for healthcare in the state and nationally, particularly for the informal sector population who do not have any form of financial risk protection unlike those in the Formal Sector including civil servants and pensioners covered under the Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Program.

Dr. Ewelike highlighted the harsh reality many families face selling property or borrowing funds for emergency treatments like cesarean sections while assuring that with the ImoCare, the story is changing.

“In the past two years alone, the Imo State Health Insurance Agency has catered and paid for over 2,000 cesarean sections and other surgeries, easing the burden on families and ensuring women receive the care they need without financial distress."

He called on community leaders, churches, political actors, market unions, and civil society to concert efforts towards ensuring the health of their loved ones and constituents especially the poor and vulnerable in our various communities.

“This healthcare intervention is about humanity. It’s about making sure no mother is left to suffer in silence, no child’s life is put on hold, and no family is pushed into poverty because of huge medical bills,” he noted with passion.

As the enrollment continues across the 654 communities in Imo State, the call is loud and clear: Take action now. Secure your health and that of your loved ones in the spirit of  *onye aghala nwanne ya*