Ebonyi State Government has initiated a groundbreaking policy to fully fund the 5% consolidated salary contribution for health insurance of all civil servants. This announcement was made by Governor Francis Nwifuru during the launch ceremony held at Remeritona Hotel in Abakaliki.
Represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Patricia Obila, Governor Nwifuru emphasized the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the health of its employees, urging civil servants to take advantage of the enhanced healthcare benefits. Previously, the government was set to pay 3.5% of the gross salary with employees contributing 1.3%; however, in a significant shift, the state will now absorb the total cost, leaving workers to only pay 10% of drug costs incurred.
Dr. Divine Igwe, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), explained this change aims to reduce the financial burden on employees while ensuring access to quality healthcare services. The decision has been met with praise from local union leaders, including Professor Oguguo Egwu of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Comrade Chidi Igboji of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), who commend the state’s proactive approach. Comrade Samson Nwafor of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) also expressed gratitude towards the governor’s supportive measures for state workers.
