The Deputy Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Otobong Bob, has offered a special Valentine’s gift to more than 1,500 of his constituents through ARISE Health Insurance with 930 benefitting from Free Medicare, 230 smiling home with eye glasses, while 70 were operated free.
The unprecedented healthcare gesture was sponsored by the lawmaker representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency in the House.
It attracted the Speaker, Udeme Otong; Deputy Speaker, KufreAbasi Edidem; members of the 8th assembly; and other prominent sons of the area such as Senator Effiong Bob
The three-day medical outreach, ongoing at the primary health centre in Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, has also examined and treated different kinds of ailments
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To further address future health challenges in the area, no fewer than 1,500 residents have so far been registered for lifetime medical coverage under the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme of the state government.
The sponsor explained that his motivation was to provide a lasting gift that would improve lives beyond the symbolic celebrations of Valentine’s Day.
Bob said: “I wanted to give my people a gift that truly matters: good health.
“This is why we ensured that beyond this outreach, many of them are now covered for a lifetime under the ARISE health insurance scheme.”
He assured that the initiative covers both indigenes and residents with the need for critical healthcare services, at no cost.
Bob used the occasion to extend gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for policies that have empowered lawmakers to positively impact their constituencies.
He also commended the medical team for their dedication and prayed for the speedy recovery of all beneficiaries.
Dr. James Etiemana, a medical consultant and team lead, applauded the lawmaker’s initiative, stating that the intervention has so far addressed serious health conditions that could have remained untreated due to financial constraints.
While revealing that a team of experts were carefully selected for the outreach, Dr. Etiemana assured that the team has so far seen 930 patients, conducted 70 surgeries and registered 1,500 on the ARISE insurance Scheme of the state government.
He said the number was still counting as the outreach would end on February 15, 2025.
Speaker Otong, represented by Deputy Speaker Edidem, commended Bob for his people-centred leadership.
“He is an asset to the 8th Assembly. He sleeps and wakes up thinking about the welfare of his people,” he said.
Also speaking, the political leader, Uyo Senatorial District and father of the sponsor, Senator Effiong Bob, stressed the significance of the intervention, regretting that sickness, not witches, has killed many in rural communities.
He criticised leaders who focus on distributing motorcycles and food items while neglecting healthcare, adding that the outreach had exposed medical conditions, including hernias, of unprecedented proportions.
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