The Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA), Chief Godwin Iyala, has commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare through health insurance as the governor celebrates his 67th birthday.
Iyala, who conveyed the felicitations on behalf of his family and the management and staff of CRSHIA, described Otu as a purposeful leader whose People First philosophy places the welfare and aspirations of citizens at the centre of governance.
He said the governor’s vision of building an inclusive, prosperous and healthy Cross River State had continued to inspire confidence, particularly through policies aimed at improving healthcare access and protecting residents from financial hardship arising from medical expenses.
The CRSHIA Director General particularly praised Otu’s support for the advancement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), noting that access to essential healthcare services should not be determined by an individual’s financial circumstances.
“Your support for the advancement of Universal Health Coverage reflects your understanding that access to healthcare should not be determined by a person’s financial circumstances,” Iyala stated in the birthday message.
He explained that strengthening health insurance remained essential to ensuring that more residents, particularly vulnerable and underserved populations, could obtain necessary medical care without being pushed into financial difficulties.
Iyala added that the governor’s commitment to the health sector had provided encouragement for the agency to intensify efforts towards building an accessible, equitable, sustainable and responsive health insurance system that meets the needs of Cross Riverians.
He reaffirmed the commitment of CRSHIA’s management and staff to translating Otu’s People First philosophy into tangible health benefits, expressing optimism that continued government support would further strengthen health insurance coverage across the state.
The Director General also described the Governor’s birthday as an opportunity to appreciate his leadership and dedication to public service, noting that his vision for a healthier population was vital to the state’s overall development.
On behalf of his family and the entire CRSHIA workforce, Iyala prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health, wisdom and strength for the governor, wishing him greater accomplishments as he leads Cross River State towards sustainable prosperity.
He concluded by wishing Governor Otu a happy 67th birthday and expressing hope that his new year would bring renewed strength, greater achievements and continued success in advancing the welfare of Cross Riverians.
By Kingsley Agim
