Cross River State Mandates Health Insurance for Workers

The Cross River State Government has relaunched its health insurance scheme, making enrollment compulsory for all public and civil servants. At the relaunch ceremony in Calabar, Dr Godwin Iyala, Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, stated that the scheme aims to provide accessible, affordable, and qualitative healthcare for workers and their families.

A monthly deduction of N1,000 will be taken from civil servants' salaries, but they must complete registration, biometric capture, and empanelment to a health facility to be considered active. Currently, only 17,000 out of over 34,000 civil servants are enrolled.

Enrollment points have been established at various government offices. The scheme also covers spouses and children under 18.

Hon. Orok Bassey, the Head of Service, announced that proof of enrollment will be required for accessing key services. Additionally, Dr David Oshie shared a success story of a civil servant who received free treatment through the scheme.