The wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday sponsored the enrolment of 1,000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state’s Health Insurance Scheme to promote their healthcare.
Soludo made the announcement during a town hall meeting with persons with special needs organised to promote her Healthy Living Initiative in Awka.
She said that PWDs had the capacity to bring unique values to the journey toward a livable and prosperous Anambra, when given adequate attention.
‘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 1,000 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 insuran
ce 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.
Dr Nonye Soludo addressing PWDs in Awka
Soludo urged the PWDs to prioritise their health, eat right, imbibe personal and environmental hygiene to stay healthy and alive.
Also speaking, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra, requested for the inclusion of PWDs in the Healthy Living campaign.
According to him, PWDs are more affected when it comes to the 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.
In his keynote address, Prof. Williams Obiozor, Director, Centre for Disability and Special Needs Resear
ch, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, advocated more support and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society.
Obiozor said that empowering and catering for the well-being of PWDs was a collective effort and should not be left for government alone.
In her remarks, Mrs Ify Obinabo, the state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, appreciated the Governor’s wife for the demonstration of love to persons with disabilities in the state.
Mr Simeon Onyemaechi, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, said the package cost N12,500 annually to get medicines and treatments of health conditions covered by the scheme.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria