The Enugu State Government has broadened its universal health insurance programme to include market traders, providing them with easier access to affordable and quality healthcare services across the state.
The initiative is being implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage (ESA-UHC) and the National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN).
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Enugu, the Executive Secretary of ESA-UHC, Edith Okolo, described the partnership as a significant milestone in the state's efforts to extend health insurance coverage to more residents, particularly those in the informal sector.
She explained that traders enrolled in the scheme would pay an annual premium of
₦12,000, which would be collected by the union as part of members' routine dues before being remitted to the agency.
According to Okolo, the collaboration demonstrates the state government's commitment to ensuring that market traders have access to affordable, quality healthcare without the burden of high out-of-pocket medical expenses.
She noted that the success of the programme would depend on close cooperation between ESA-UHC and NUMTEN, adding that regular evaluation would help measure its impact.
To improve service delivery, the agency has established a 24-hour control room and a toll-free support line through which beneficiaries can report complaints or challenges encountered while accessing healthcare. She stressed that feedback from enrollees would help strengthen accountability among accredited healthcare providers and improve overall service quality.
Okolo also disclosed that beneficiaries would have the flexibility to receive treatment at any accredited healthcare facility of their choice rather than being restricted to a specific hospital.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Chairman of NUMTEN, Ezeoha Eneh, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would greatly benefit traders, especially those with limited financial resources.
He assured that the union would embark on extensive awareness campaigns across markets in the state to encourage members to enrol in the scheme.
Eneh acknowledged that while some traders might consider the ₦12,000 yearly premium a substantial amount, it remains far more affordable than paying for medical treatment directly whenever health challenges arise.
