… Builds, Commissions Borehole in Watt Market
The Ben Akak Foundation (BAF)has enrolled 500 persons from Odukpani local government area in the Cross River State Healthcare Insurance Scheme, tagged ‘Ayade Care’ to help them access healthcare services for the next one year, free of charge.
The insurance scheme, it was gathered, is programmed to provide affordable health services for anyone who could register with N1000 annually, their health status and medical history notwithstanding.
Speaking at Odukpani local government area of the State during a visit, Tuesday, the Chairman of the Foundation, Engineer Ben Akak said the gesture was due to the priority he placed on the health of Cross River people.
Addressing men, women and youths who converged at the Odukpani health centre to receive him, Engr Akak, who is vying for the governorship seat of the State under the All Progressives Congress, said “I urge you to go to any primary healthcare facilities and register, get the card and you are done.
“We have paid for 500 of you and you can now access services free of charge. There is no reason for one to die because he cannot afford healthcare services. The Ayade Care scheme gives everyone an opportunity to live, and with your support, we will do more.”
The Director General of the State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Godwin Iyala, who also spoke, said the programme was designed to put money back into beneficiary’s pocket and therefore called on all Cross River people to be part of it.
In his remarks, Rt Hon Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Health, commended Engr Akak for the gesture.
“Let me commend our brother for this great gesture. It is true that anyone who does not place priority on health cannot be said to be a serious human being because when there is health, there is hope.
“Cross River government has keyed into the universal health suffrage and with the health insurance scheme, no one in Cross River should die of treatable ailment as a result of inability to raise money to pay for healthcare services. This is a worthy effort, thank you Engineer Ben Akak,” Dr Bassey said.
Pillar Today reports that the Ben Akak Foundation Chairman also commissioned a borehole he built at the popular Watt market to serve the water need of traders there.
