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It was jubilation at the Governor’s lodge, Anambra State following enrollment of 1000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), into the state’s Health Insurance scheme by wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with persons with special needs organised to promote her Healthy Living Initiative, Soludo said the package worth N12,500 each was to ensure equal representation and opportunities for all.
She said that PWDs had the capacity to bring unique values to the journey towards a livable and prosperous Anambra state when given adequate attention.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the health premium fully to their advantage, just as she advised them to prioritise their health, eat right, imbibe personal and environmental hygiene to stay healthy and alive.
She said, “I invited you because I love you all and look out for you. My husband’s administration also appreciates your undying desire to bring your best to the table of good governance.
“As I behold your amazing faces, I see strength, tenacity, doggedness and unbeatable ambitions.This is why Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, is giving out 1000 health insurance slots free to PWDs in the state.
“This is our own way of saying that we care about you and we know that health is the greatest wealth. This free health insurance will be your passport to access the best medicare anywhere in the state.
‘I want you to ensure that you use the health insurance fully to your advantage. When you notice any sign of infirmity, do not waste time visiting your doctor,” she said.
Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke requested for the inclusion of PWDs in the Healthy Living campaign.
He regretted that PWDs were more affected on issues of healthy living as a result of different challenges hinging on their various nature of disabilities.
“Including PWDs in your campaign will help get the awareness and support down to our members, thereby enabling an inclusive society,” he said.
Also speaking, Director, Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Williams Obiozor advocated for more support and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society.
He said empowering and catering for the well-being of PWDs was a collective effort and should not be left for government alone.
Earlier, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo appreciated the Governor’s wife for the demonstration of love to persons with disabilities in the state.
On his part, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, Mr Simeon Onyemaechi, said the package cost N12,500 annually to get medicines and treatments of health conditions covered by the scheme.
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