By Douglas Princemola – Owerri
The head of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, has said that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s free healthcare program is saving more lives than his road construction projects.
Dr. Ewelike made this statement during a hospital inspection tour on Monday, June 16, 2025, in Owerri.
One of the stops was the New Healing Stream Specialist Hospital in Egbeada, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
He said that although roads are important, the ImoCare Health Insurance Scheme has had a more direct impact on the lives of the people.
According to him, over 435,000 patients have received free medical treatment under the program.
These include surgeries for fibroids, hernias, childbirth issues, and other serious conditions.
Dr. Ewelike noted that such treatments would normally cost hundreds of thousands to over a million naira in private hospitals.
He added that maternal deaths have reduced greatly across Imo State because of free antenatal and delivery services provided under the scheme.
He shared that more than 2.7 million Imo residents—about 1,000 from each of the state’s 27 local government areas—have already enrolled in the ImoCare program.
Miss Blessing Kaka, a 25-year-old from Umunoha, said she received a free fibroid surgery and blood transfusions.
Miss Chioma Gift Onwuka, also from Umunoha, shared how she was treated for fibroids after living with the condition for over seven years.
Mrs. Lilian Igbo, Mrs. Olivia Chidinma Izuagwu, and Mr. Chibuike Emmanuel all praised the program after receiving free treatment, including cesarean sections and hernia surgery.
Dr. Ewelike also responded to recent allegations that the program was a scam, calling them false and politically motivated.
He said, “Our work is open and honest. We are here to save lives, not to engage in fraud.”
The Medical Director of New Healing Stream Specialist Hospital, Dr. Chima Oparaji, also praised the program.
He said the hospital has carried out many surgeries for free through the ImoCare scheme.
Normally, these surgeries would cost between ₦500,000 and ₦1.3 million.
Dr. Ewelike concluded by thanking Governor Hope Uzodimma for his support.
He said the governor is still running the free healthcare program even though he is not seeking any political position at the moment.
He called on more people in Imo State to register and benefit from the scheme.
