Cross River Health Insurance Scheme Facilitates Life-Saving Surgeries for Young Woman
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The impact of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme has been seen in a young woman from Iyamoyong in Obubra Local Government Area, Cynthia Osam, who successfully underwent two life-saving surgeries on Wednesday.
The success of the two life-saving surgeries was due to the improved healthcare system in the state. The were performed by Dr. Ekon Francis at General Hospital Obubra.
Speaking on the successful surgeries, Dr Francis lauded the state’s health insurance scheme, describing it as one of the government’s most transformative initiatives which ensures that residents receive quality medical care without the burden of excessive costs.
He also stated that the scheme provides financial protection against high medical expenses, granting enrollees access to preventive care, prescription medications, emergency services, and essential treatments at little to no cost.
Dr Francis highlighted that the insurance plan also covers maternity and newborn care, significantly improving maternal and infant health services.
“Additionally, it includes mental health services, reinforcing the government’s commitment to holistic healthcare,” he stated.
He further described the programme as a vital safety net that offers individuals and families peace of mind, knowing their medical needs are covered.
Speaking on Cynthia Osam’s case, Dr Francis explained that she was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and degenerated fibroids, both requiring urgent surgical intervention.
“We had a patient with acute appendicitis and degenerated fibroids. The surgeries were successful,” he stated, stressing that, “the health insurance scheme played a crucial role in enabling timely and effective treatment”.
He further emphasised that expanding access to health insurance would save more lives, making quality healthcare a right for all Cross Riverians rather than a privilege.
Cynthia’s mother, Mrs Cecelia Osam, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for enhancing healthcare accessibility.
Mrs Osam also commended the Founder of Oden Ewa Foundation, Commissioner Oden Ewa, for enrolling her daughter in the health insurance scheme, describing the initiative as a lifesaver.
Without it, she noted, her family would have struggled to afford the medical procedures.
Reacting to the development at the Obubra General Hospital, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, welcomed the news and called on well-to-do individuals to invest in the healthcare needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Chief Iyala expressed optimism that more success stories like Cynthia’s would continue to come, as increasing number of individuals and organisations are now adopting health insurance coverage for their communities.
