By Anamati Inyang
December 31, 2025
Access to quality healthcare took a practical step forward in Ibiono Ibom as the Member representing the constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, facilitated the enrollment of 100 indigenes into the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIS).
The exercise, held at the Council Hall in Oko Ita, the local government headquarters, drew community leaders, beneficiaries, government officials, all united by a shared concern for improved healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Hon. Essien, who chairs the House of Assembly Committees on Health, Nutrition and Food Security, described health as the true foundation of development.
He explained that the initiative was part of his contribution towards strengthening healthcare access for his people and a direct support to the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, particularly in the health sector.
According to him, the enrollment was designed to ease the burden of medical costs on residents, especially the most vulnerable, by guaranteeing access to affordable, quality care.
He noted that the AKSHIS programme provides free enrollment for children between the ages of zero and five, as well as senior citizens aged 65 years and above, while other residents can access the scheme with an annual premium of 18,000 naira.
Essien encouraged beneficiaries to make proper use of the scheme, stressing that early medical attention and preventive care remain the most effective ways to reduce avoidable health complications and deaths.
He also highlighted key benefits of the health insurance scheme, including access to accredited hospitals, reduced out of pocket expenses, early diagnosis and treatment, financial protection during health emergencies, a reduction in the dangerous practice of self medication.
The Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Asuakak Umoh, praised the lawmaker for prioritizing the health needs of his constituents.
He also commended Governor Umo Eno for declaring a State of Emergency in the health sector, describing the move as a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership, commitment to the wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people.
Umoh disclosed that the local government council is already making plans to enroll more indigenes into the AKSHIS scheme. He called on other political office holders, stakeholders, well meaning individuals to follow the example set by Hon. Essien, noting that the fear of hospital bills has pushed many residents into self medication, often with serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
The event ended on a warm, festive note, with renewed calls for wider community participation in the health insurance scheme and the presentation of yuletide gifts to beneficiaries, reinforcing the message that good governance is most meaningful when it directly touches lives.
