The Ukwuinyi Women Association in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State has enrolled 50 women in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme and awarded financial grants to four university students from the community.
The health insurance registration exercise took place on Thursday at the Ukwuinyi Village Women Hall, attracting beneficiaries and association leaders who described the initiative as a boost to healthcare access and educational development.
Speaking during the exercise, the Liaison Officer of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA) in Nkwerre, Ajoku Chioma, explained that the scheme would enable registered members to access quality healthcare at subsidised rates.
According to her, each enrollee pays ₦15,000 for a one-year coverage and becomes eligible for medical services after a 30-day waiting period.
Ajoku said beneficiaries in Nkwerre, Orlu and neighbouring communities could access healthcare services at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu.
She added that enrollees would pay only 10 per cent of the cost of prescribed drugs, while other covered medical services would be provided free of charge.
Some of the women expressed satisfaction with the registration, describing it as an opportunity to access affordable medical care and improve their overall well-being.
The Home Branch President and Chairman of the Health Insurance Registration Committee, Lolo Egondu Nneji Dike, popularly known as Golden Lady; the committee’s Vice Chairman, Mrs Onyinye Oluigbo; and its Secretary, Mrs Caro Okparaocha, commended the initiative.
They also praised the President-General of the association, Amb. Chika Uju, for her leadership and commitment to the welfare and development of members.
The women said the programme would ease the financial burden of healthcare on beneficiaries and contribute to improved health and well-being in the community.
In a separate initiative, the association awarded financial grants to four university students from Ukwuinyi Village to support their education.
Presenting the grants, the association’s Vice Chairlady and Chairman of the Education and Empowerment Committee, Mrs Ngozi Francis, alongside the Treasurer, Mrs Nwachinemere Ezeriwe, said the intervention was designed to help the students meet their educational expenses.
They urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies, achieve academic excellence and develop into responsible individuals who would contribute meaningfully to their community and society at large.
The association disclosed that its scholarship programme, which supports indigenes in secondary and tertiary institutions, would continue as part of its commitment to education and community development.
The four beneficiaries, selected from the village’s four kindreds, expressed gratitude to the association for the financial assistance. They pledged to work hard academically, uphold good values and remain law-abiding citizens.
