By Agbo Christian Obiora
The Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIS) has made significant strides in bridging the healthcare gap for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through a successful enrollment exercise that ran from February 10th to 21st, 2025. This landmark initiative, championed by His Excellency, Governor Pst. Umo Eno, Ph.D., underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no resident, regardless of ability, is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
Breaking Barriers to Healthcare Access
The enrollment exercise, which covered 14 local government areas (LGAs) in its first phase, was executed seamlessly, setting the stage for a second phase that will include the remaining 17 LGAs. This initiative reflects the Governor’s vision of inclusive governance and aligns with the Arise Agenda’s broader goal of fostering equity in healthcare delivery.
For years, access to healthcare has been a significant challenge for many PWDs, particularly those in rural communities. Limited mobility, financial constraints, and inadequate infrastructure have often left them vulnerable to preventable health conditions. However, through this initiative, the state government is rewriting the narrative by actively removing these barriers and creating a healthcare system that accommodates everyone.
Impressive Enrollment Statistics
The first phase of the enrollment process recorded remarkable numbers across the 14 participating LGAs:
- Uyo: 182
- Ika: 56
- Etinan: 89
- Ikot Abasi: 66
- Okobo: 96
- Ibesikpo: 140
- Essien Udim: 105
- Nsit Ibom: 68
- Etim Ekpo: 98
- Idu Uruan: 130
- Oron: 22
- Esit Eket: 57
- Ini: 132
- Ikono: 46
Total: 1,287 PWDs enrolled
With these figures, the success of the first phase is evident, and the anticipation for the second phase is high, as it aims to reach even more PWDs across the state.
Commendations for Inclusive Leadership
Governor Umo Eno’s leadership has been widely praised for prioritizing the well-being of PWDs through progressive policies and programs like AKSHIS. His administration’s inclusive approach has not only provided healthcare access but also empowered PWDs to participate in governance and social development.
Special recognition is due to Dr. Igbemi Arthur, the Director of AKSHIS, and Mrs. Nnene Bassey, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, for their relentless efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of this program. Their collaborative leadership played a crucial role in mobilizing resources, coordinating logistics, and engaging key stakeholders to drive the initiative’s success.
Key Partnerships and Support
The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP-AKS) Branch also demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility by actively engaging with PWDs, providing medical support, and collaborating with the NAGGMDP Foundation in Abuja to ensure sustainability. Their involvement has strengthened the medical framework supporting this initiative, creating a ripple effect that will positively impact PWDs beyond the enrollment phase.
Equally commendable is the role of LGA Chairmen, who have shown unwavering dedication to the Governor’s vision of inclusive leadership. Several Chairmen have appointed Personal or Special Assistants on PWDs, ensuring that disability inclusion is embedded at both state and local government levels. Others who have pledged to follow suit are expected to enhance PWD representation and participation in governance.
In the hinterlands, where access to government services is often limited, the provision of accessible premises and financial support for PWDs during the enrollment process was particularly noteworthy. These efforts highlight the administration’s holistic approach to inclusion, ensuring that geographical location does not become a barrier to healthcare access.
Acknowledging the Coordinators and Stakeholders
The success of the AKSHIS enrollment exercise would not have been possible without the dedication of Coordinators of PWDs across the 14 LGAs. Their commitment to mobilizing beneficiaries, creating awareness, and facilitating smooth registration was instrumental in achieving such impressive numbers.
Their efforts in promoting the Arise Agenda—a strategic plan that emphasizes inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and social development—have been pivotal in ensuring that PWDs are not just passive beneficiaries but active participants in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Looking Ahead: The Second Phase and Beyond
With the first phase successfully completed, all eyes are now on the second phase, which will extend the enrollment exercise to 17 additional LGAs. The expansion will ensure that a greater number of PWDs receive the healthcare benefits they rightfully deserve.
This initiative is more than just a healthcare enrollment exercise; it is a statement of commitment by the Akwa Ibom State Government to uphold the dignity, rights, and well-being of PWDs. It sets a precedent for other states to follow and strengthens the call for a more inclusive healthcare system nationwide.
As the second phase rolls out, the impact of this initiative will be measured not just by numbers but by the tangible improvements in the lives of PWDs across Akwa Ibom State. The journey towards an inclusive and equitable healthcare system is far from over, but with sustained commitment and collaboration, a future where PWDs have unhindered access to quality healthcare is within reach.
Conclusion
The AKSHIS enrollment exercise is a groundbreaking achievement in the pursuit of disability-inclusive governance and healthcare in Akwa Ibom State. Governor Umo Eno’s administration has demonstrated that when inclusivity is prioritized, progress follows.
As stakeholders, government officials, and disability advocates rally behind this cause, the expectation is clear: the second phase must build on the success of the first and further solidify Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a model state for inclusive development in Nigeria.
