Over 2,000 Itsekiris Enrolled Into Health Insurance Programme As ITF Targets 150,000

Itsekiri Trust Fund, ITF, a body in charge of Itsekiri healthcare and welfare, under the mandate of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, says over 2,000 Itsekiris, have so far been enrolled into the Itsekiri Health Insurance Programme, IHIP,  which began  in Warri, Delta State in 2021, adding that more than 150,000 persons are being targeted to benefit from the scheme in the in the next 60 months.

Our Senior Correspondent, reports that this much was disclosed Saturday June 25 in Warri, by the Acting Executive Secretary, ITF/ Coordinator of IHIP, Mr. Lawrence Anirejuoritse Wilbert, during the 3rd Edition of Ghigho Aghofen at Olu  Palace, Warri in Delta State.

Mr. Wilbert, noted that Warri Kingdom was  the originator of the Trust Fund, saying His Imperial Majesty,  the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, is ever ready to make his subjects live healthy, hence his vision of creating the Health Insurance Programme for all Itsekiris,  especially the indigent ones.

He explained  that they were  mandated to  go into Itsekiri communities to register Iwere indigenes ( Itsekiris)  for the health insurance scheme, without collecting money from the beneficiaries, adding that  registration can also be done through https://itsekiritrustfund.org/about

According to him,  the sponsors; Ugbajo Itsekiri USA, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Alpha May Club Lagos, Cecilia Atuwe Organization and other donors, already paid for the services, noting that  any of the  enrollees can access healthcare in any of the designated hospitals in the state.

Some Sponsors of IHIP: from left; Brig. Gen. Emico, Mr. Wilbert, Anumnu, Mr. Etchie & others at the programme

Mr.  Wilbert, appealed for more sponsors, to enable the body   expand the programme, just as he stressed the need for increased awareness of the programme, in order for more people to  take advantage of the IHIP, which according to him has  transformed the lives of some people within the short time it started.

The Deputy Managing Director of Hygeia, the Health Management Organization, HMO in-charge of the IHIP, Enema Anumnu, commended Itsekiri Trust Fund and the Health insurance for sustaining the programme.

She said, more than hundred people have accessed healthcare through their HMO, adding  that they have over 100 hospitals in Delta State, which patients can walk in and get medical support.

The Hygeia HMO Deputy MD, urged the beneficiaries to always go to the clinic with their cards and ID enrollment number,  calling for more sensitization," for people to take advantage and enroll  in the scheme."

A Cross Section of members of Hygeia HMO and Mr. Oleju (3rd right)

Fresh Angle International, can report that a member of the Board of Trustees of the Itsekiri Trust Fund, Chief Brown Mene, in his address, noted that IHIP framework has been designed taking into consideration Ogiame’s vision for Iwereland, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDG 3 and understanding the strong correlation between wellbeing and economic security/output.

According to Chief Mene: "In line with the SDG Goal 3, IHIP aspires to uplift the health status of Itsekiri in Iwereland and Nationwide, through sustainable access to quality Health Service Providers, HSP, consistent methodical health education to beneficiaries, excellent deployment of latest technology to fulfil healthcare, hence  the ITF sought out the best Health Access Fulfilment partners in Nigeria, the market leader in the Health Management organisation, HMO, sector HYGEIA and Health Access platform providers, using Machine learning and Block chain technology-CIMPLE HEALTHCARE, competent to deliver  on its defined mandate".

The ITF Trustees Board Member, stated further that the IHIOB is designed in such a way  that Itsekiris local and diaspora, can sponsor their own  family or community to uplift their lifestyle by providing healthcare access similar to the UK’s NHS.

He commended Ugbajo Itsekiri USA, led by its President, Toju Ekwejunor-Etchie, President Alpha May Club and Brigadier  Gen. Emico  Eruwa Rtd., for their commitment to sustain  the programme, while  also appealing for more sponsors.

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