The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Mr. Obiora Obeagu, has announced the enrolment of 5,000 less privileged residents into the Universal Health Insurance Scheme to enhance access to quality healthcare services.
Obeagu made this known on Wednesday in Enugu while addressing journalists during the 2025 Physicians’ Week and the maiden Enugu Regional Health Summit organised by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
He explained that his administration has continued to prioritise healthcare delivery through targeted programmes designed to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
According to him, several health centres within the council have been rehabilitated to improve service delivery, while the new insurance coverage would ensure that indigent residents receive medical care at no cost.
“We have come across people who find it difficult to raise even N2,500 for medication, which is quite worrisome. As a local government, our foremost duty is to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of our people,” he said.
He added that the health sector remains a major focus of his administration, citing multiple medical outreaches conducted to bring essential services closer to rural dwellers.
Obeagu noted that upon assuming office, he established a permanent committee on free medical outreach, with over 2,000 residents benefitting from the most recent programme.
Speaking on the NMA Physicians’ Week outreach in Isi-Uzo, the chairman stated that the council is collaborating with the NMA and other health partners to deliver critical health interventions to remote communities with limited access to healthcare facilities.
“While we continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, it is also important to provide immediate assistance to residents who cannot afford medical care,” he said.
He commended the NMA for fostering collaboration through the outreach initiative, which he described as a life-saving intervention addressing urgent health needs in the local area.
“The programme offers a wide range of medical and surgical services, including free health checks, dental and eye care, surgical procedures, and distribution of essential medicines,” Obeagu added.
He also revealed that Nemel Pharmaceutical Company, Enugu, had supported the initiative with drugs worth millions of naira for the outreach scheduled to take place on Thursday.