The Cross River State Government has re-launched the Formal Sector Health Insurance Enrolment Programme for civil servants, declaring participation compulsory as part of efforts to strengthen Universal Health Coverage in the State.
The re-launch followed a renewed collaboration between the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) and the Office of the Head of Service to ensure full enrolment of civil servants across the State.
The initiative is aimed at expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare and advancing the state's commitment to Universal Health Coverage.
The event, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the Office of the Head of Service, New Secretariat Complex, Calabar, brought together civil and public servants alongside key stakeholders in the health sector.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Orok Bassey Okon, urged civil servants to take full advantage of the health insurance opportunity provided by the State government.
He stressed that enrolment is compulsory for all civil servants and called on officers to comply with the directive to benefit from the scheme.
"A healthy workforce is fundamental to an effective and productive public service," the Head of Service said.
He noted that the government's investment in the health and welfare of civil servants should be reciprocated through active participation in the programme.
He further disclosed that the provision of a dedicated desk office for CRSHIA within his office was deliberate, to bring the enrolment process closer to civil servants and make it easier for officers to access information, register, and resolve issues relating to the scheme.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of CRSHIA, Sir Godwin Iyala, urged civil servants across the state to seize the opportunity.
He explained that the programme is designed to provide structured access to healthcare while reducing the financial burden of medical treatment, and encouraged all civil servants to enrol and maximize the benefits.
Sir Iyala appreciated the Head of Service for the support and collaboration, particularly for providing CRSHIA with a dedicated desk office to facilitate easy access, registration, and enrolment.
In a goodwill message, the State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Stanley Effa, described health insurance as a sustainable pathway to quality medical care.
He commended the Cross River State Government and the Office of the Head of Service for the initiative, noting that effective health coverage is critical to improving the wellbeing of the workforce and the broader population.
The event was attended by civil and public servants and health stakeholders including Dr. Egbe Ayuk, Elder Ita Ekeng, Elder Ibiang, Mr. Raymond Abugieye, and Mrs. Aje Ayuk, among others.
The re-launch underscores the commitment of the Cross River State Government, through CRSHIA and the Office of the Head of Service, to strengthening workforce welfare and ensuring sustainable access to quality healthcare for civil servants.
The initiative is expected to deepen health insurance enrolment within the public service and significantly advance the state's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.
By: Kera Okem
