In response to growing concerns and feedback from residents, the Cross River State Government has revised key aspects of its health insurance policy to better meet the healthcare needs of its people.
The updated policy was announced during a two-day workshop organized by the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA).
The event, held at Monty Suites Hotel in Calabar, focused on improving access to healthcare and strengthening accountability.
Board members, government officials, and key players in the health sector convened at the workshop to explore best practices in regulatory compliance, sustainable health financing, and participatory health governance.
The initiative marks a pivotal shift in the state’s approach to health insurance delivery pivoting toward a more inclusive, responsive, and people-centered system.
Speaking at the event, CRSHIA Director General, Godwin Iyala, said the training was part of a larger plan to improve how health insurance works in the state.
“With the support of Governor Bassey Otu, we’re listening to the people and updating our policies to give them better healthcare services,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of strong leadership, transparency, and collaboration to achieve universal health coverage in Cross River.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hilary Bisong, Chief Whip and Chairman of the Health Committee, said the legislature is committed to supporting fair and people-centered health reforms.
“This is more than a training session—it’s a chance to build a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system,” Bisong said. “Health insurance should never be influenced by politics.”
He outlined six key steps for improving the system: community involvement, better funding, use of technology, transparent leadership, ongoing training, and strong performance tracking. He also pointed to countries like Rwanda, Ghana, Taiwan, and Indonesia as examples of success.
One participant, Elizabeth Ogbaga, who leads the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, called the workshop “timely and impactful,” saying it helped them improve their leadership and decision-making.
“This initiative has strengthened our capacity to govern effectively,” she said. “We are now better equipped to provide strategic oversight and align our operations to meet the evolving needs of our people.”
The workshop concluded with a firm commitment by all participants to uphold the values of good governance, responsive policymaking, and accountability in health service delivery.
Stakeholders also pledged to incorporate the feedback received from communities into future policy revisions, as part of ongoing efforts to build a sustainable and citizen-focused health insurance system in Cross River State.
