Anambra Governor’s wife Mrs Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday, sponsored the enrolment of 1,000 persons with disabilities in the State Healthcare Insurance Scheme (ASHA) programme.
Mrs Soludo who is also the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, said she was proud to support the enrolment of beneficiaries from the 179 communities in the state and that it free of charge.
She said the initiative was a testament to her husband’s “shared commitment to the well-being” of people with special needs, particularly, those living at the grassroots.
“The current administration in the state is inspired to do this to bring service closer to our people. We also acknowledge the stride of our Government in all areas of endeavour to ensure equitable health delivery to all Ndi-Anambra.
“Our administration is working round the clock to ensure that everyone living in Anambra State gets a feel of good governance. We do not take the law of inclusiveness for granted. Our human capital policies are well-designed to explore potentials and give every Onye Anambra a veritable platform to be on board.
“Every one of us here bears a distinct dream. You bring unique value to this journey towards a livable and prosperous Anambra State. We have never had any doubt about that.
“I want to assure you that my husband’s administration takes notice of your existence and is working on something for you. A few months ago, I made a case for special provisions for people with special needs during recruitment processes in the state.
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“My position was that those with special conditions should be given separate days to have their own time, space, and comfort to take part in the job processes. I have also been leading the campaign for our people to provide help for persons with visual impairments.
“Having flagged off the White Cane Campaign In Anambra State last year, I immediately understood the immense responsibility of leading from the front.
“Today, my non-governmental crusade, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, is giving out one thousand Anambra State Health Insurance slots free to people with special needs who are living in Anambra State.
“Everyone of you will go home today fully insured to receive free medical care in selected Anambra-based health facilities of your choice. This is our own way of saying that we care about you, the governor’s wife stated.
In his speech, the State Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke while commending Mrs Soludo for the kind gesture, appeal to the governor’s wife to include his members into her Healthy Living campaign, noting that persons with disabilities are more affected when it comes to the issue of healthy living as a result of different challenges hinging on our various nature of Disabilities, access to health care, social stigma and discrimination leading to isolation and exclusion, independent living barriers, financial challenges as well as communication barrier.
In her brief remarks, the Anambra Commissioner for Women, Social and Children Welfares, Hon Ify Obinabo who also commended the governor’s wife for the gestur, pointed out that the state government was ready for partnerships, sponsorships and donations to expand access to affordable healthcare delivery and improved family welfare packages for all.
Some of the beneficiaries, Mr Kinsley Godwin and Ms Justina Ikenna, in their separate appreciations vow to support Governor Soludo’s second term bid come 2025.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the event that took place at the governor’s lodge Amawbia, also has the presence of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Simon Onyemeachi and other top Government functionaries.
