By DADA AYOKHAI
As part of effort to ensure the well being of the people of Uromi/Uzea community in Esan North-East Local Government Area, the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. (Mrs) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko has paid insurance premium for the
Persons leaving with Disabilities, Elderly, widows & other vulnerable persons to access free healthcare to access free healthcare under the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme.
This demonstration of a people centric governance by the deputy Speaker would enable the beneficiaries access free primary healthcare in government hospitals in Uromi and environs.
Flagging off the free healthcare in Uromi, Edeko said she has paid the insurance premium fee for all beneficiaries to access free medical services for one year.
Edeko said” I have brought the Edo state health insurance scheme to my people because I know that governance means doing the things that are basic and very important to the people like healthcare, education and social welfare among others.
” Edo government has began the implementation of health insurance policy because it understands that health is wealth.
“Government can be likened to the ministry of Christ who cared for the needy and vulnerable persons in the society but unfortunately, we have gotten it wrong in this country.
” Government is not for amassing wealth, but to care for the people, so today, your daughter has come here to bring this health policy to her people”.
“If I have all the money in the world, I would pay for every man and woman including the children to access this free healthcare”
In her words “Am sure that I prefer to store up riches in the kingdom of God than on Earth”
” Some of you will be enrolled in the general hospital Uromi, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, and in the primary healthcare centers closest to you,” she said.
The deputy Speaker urged them to ensure that they all register adding that, those without the registration cards can not access the free healthcare services.
Furthermore, she said she will always look out for ways to empower her community adding that, human lives were more valuable than material things”.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Uromi and Uzea community, Rev Fr. Ekoh, the priest in charge of Health in Uromi Dioceses, thanked the deputy Speaker for the kind gesture saying that, “she is one woman that has the interest of the people at heart”.
He said” I want to thank you our daughter and mother, the Rt Honourable Maria Edeko for choosing this part of honour”.
“She is not the wealthiest, but that love of God in her, has pushed her to render this humanitarian services to her constituency.
The priest prayed that as the doctors treat the beneficiaries, God almighty will perfect the healings.
