By Douglas Princemola
In a major stride towards accessible and affordable healthcare, Rt. Hon. Engr. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu (Ozuruigbo), Member representing Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru-West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has launched a healthcare intervention that provides free medical coverage for 10,000 residents. The initiative, executed under the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme (IMSHIA), popularly known as ImoCare, was officially flagged off on Thursday, June 20, 2025, at the Oru-West Local Government Area Council Headquarters in Mgbidi.
The program, carried out in partnership with the Imo State Government through IMSHIA, offers one full year of comprehensive health insurance to vulnerable and indigent constituents. This marks a significant step in delivering grassroots healthcare access across the state.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, most notably the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, who served as Special Guest of Honour. Governor Uzodimma was applauded by stakeholders and community leaders for his role in establishing IMSHIA and his continued support in sustaining the scheme, which has benefited tens of thousands of Imo State residents since inception.
Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of IMSHIA, addressed the gathering with a detailed overview of the scheme’s impact. He stated that over 437,000 medical cases have been treated under the ImoCare initiative, including more than 20,000 cesarean sections. These outcomes, he said, have significantly lowered maternal and infant mortality rates in the state. He described the program as a landmark achievement in financial risk protection and urged the public to embrace the opportunity for both preventive and curative healthcare.
Hon. Chief Nwabueze Oguchienti, the Commissioner for Power and Rural Electrification in Imo State, chaired the occasion. In his address, he commended Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu for his proactive representation and for prioritizing the health needs of his constituents. He emphasized that such partnerships between lawmakers and the state government are crucial to expanding access to quality healthcare.
The event also featured remarks from other notable figures including Hon. Gilbert Nwosu, Chairman of the Imo State House of Assembly Committee on Health; Hon. Gideon Meffor, General Manager of AdaPalm Nigeria Limited; and Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, Executive Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area. Each of them lauded Hon. Dibiagwu’s commitment to public service and the synergy demonstrated between the legislator and the state government in advancing healthcare delivery.
Traditional rulers were also in attendance and expressed strong support for the initiative. Eze Franklin Okafor of Ossemoto Autonomous Community described Hon. Dibiagwu as “Okechukwu,” meaning “God’s gift to the people,” in recognition of his dedication to human development. Eze Chinedu Nani Nzeribe of Oguta Autonomous Community also praised the lawmaker’s efforts and urged residents to take full advantage of the scheme.
In his own remarks, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu reiterated his commitment to the well-being of his constituents. He urged the people not to wait until illness strikes before enrolling in the scheme. He explained that the initiative is his way of giving back to the people who placed their trust in him, and he encouraged all eligible residents to register and begin receiving medical care under the program.
The event witnessed the presence of several other dignitaries who lent their voices in support of the program. These included Hon. Engr. Gilbert Nwosu, Member of the Imo State House of Assembly representing Oguta Constituency; Adm. Willie Okolieogwo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Barr. Ralph Nwosu, Commissioner for Works, Imo State; Hon. Ikenna Adikibe, Executive Chairman of Oru-West Local Government Area; Chief Marcel Amadioha, Executive Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area; Hon. Jeff Nwaocha, former General Manager of Imo ENTRACO; and Hon. Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, IMSHIA Facilitator, who attended with his medical team. Also in attendance was Hon. Rt. Donatus Ozoemena, former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly.
The event was marked by praise for both Hon. Dibiagwu and Governor Hope Uzodimma for their efforts in enhancing healthcare access and improving lives. The successful launch of the ImoCare initiative for 10,000 residents stands as a testament to effective governance, compassionate leadership, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the people of Imo State.
