By Deborah Ekanem
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), Dr. Edikan Ekwere, has urged residents to enroll in the state’s health insurance scheme, emphasizing the need for affordable healthcare amid rising medical costs.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, Dr. Ekwere highlighted the state government’s efforts to expand healthcare access under Governor Umo Eno’s leadership.
“Universal Health Coverage remains a top priority of the government of the day. It is not merely an aspiration but a deliberate policy direction backed by an unwavering dedication to service embedded in the ARISE agenda of His Excellency, our Governor,” he said.
He added “as of December 2025, over 165,000 citizens and residents have enrolled in the scheme, which covers formal, informal, and vulnerable populations”.
According to Ekwere, the agency aims to reach over half a million enrollees by the end of next year.
Dr. Ekwere commended Governor Eno for his healthcare initiatives, including the construction and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, and praised Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem John for his leadership. He also acknowledged the contributions of local leaders, including Ibeno Local Government Chairperson Hon. Glory Ekah Effiong and Federal Representative Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, for their support.
“We call on all stakeholders, the media, community leaders, and residents to join hands with us in promoting enrollment and awareness. Together, we can achieve our shared goal of equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all in Akwa Ibom State,” Dr. Ekwere said.
He noted that the theme for this year’s UHC Day “Unaffordable Health Costs? We’re Sick of It,” was a reflection of struggles of citizens to afford quality healthcare.
The Chairman encouraged Residents to visit AKSHIA offices to enroll and access services.
Dr Ekwere said the event underscored Akwa Ibom’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on families
On her part, the Executive Secretary , Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development, Dr. Eno Attah described primary healthcare as the foundation for achieving Universal health coverage .
Attah noted that primary health center provides services to over 80 percent of the population with 80 percent of the most common ailments.