By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Member of the National Assembly representing Cross River North senatorial district, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has advanced reasons for securing one-year free healthcare insurance for 500 constituents in the five local government areas of his senatorial district.
Agom disclosed this yesterday while giving insight into the free healthcare insurance programme, initiated by him for his people in the senatorial district.
The lawmaker stated that #JariCare (Health care) Insurance initiative is aimed at providing beneficiaries with unrestricted access to quality medical services, sparing them the financial stress.
He stressed that this initiative goes beyond political lines, highlighting his dedication to prioritising the health and welfare of his constituents over partisan interests.
Represented by the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Dazzle Empowerment Initiative, Esther Ellah, during the cheque presentation which took place at the Ogoja General Hospital, Senator Jarigbe charged beneficiaries of the programme to maximize the opportunity given to them by presenting genuine identification if they desire to have effective service delivery.
Jarigbe described the initiative as the first step in a larger humanitarian effort to enhance healthcare access in the constituency.
He said, “Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a basic right. While politics has its place in governance, true leadership is measured by its direct positive impact on people’s lives.
“This initiative focuses on ensuring health and dignity, rather than seeking political advantage.”
In his remarks, the Director-General, DG of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Dr Godwin Iyala, accepted the cheque on behalf of the agency, lauding Senator Jarigbe’s steadfastness and commitment to public health.
He stressed that the initiative is in perfect alignment with Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘People First’ mantra, and assured the people of effective monitoring to ensure proper utilization of funds invested in the programme
He called on philanthropists, those in the business community, and political leaders to emulate the virtues of Senator Jarigbe, stressing that the importance of social health insurance in alleviating the financial burden of medical expenses cannot be overemphasised.
