Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), a platform for Citizens and Non State Actors’ stakeholders has commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for offering free Health Insurance to IGR compliant commuters in the State.

The laudable development was revealed in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu. According to the release, “Moving forward, every compliant commercial bus driver will get a free Health Insurance cover that would enable the insured have access to basic health and emergency services in any Anambra State Hospital.”

The Chairman of ACSONET, Prince Chris Azor who doubles as Non State Actors’ Co-chair, Open Government Partnership (OGP) in the State, described the gesture as very thoughtful and unprecedented. “This is the first of its kind in the State and deserves commendation”, he said.

The human rights advocate went further to declare that the gesture is a social protection strategy by Mr. Governor. However, he implored him to extend the same gesture to other less privileged and vulnerable in the society.

Eatlier, the Managing Director and CEO Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi showered encomiums on Governor Soludo, saying the Initiative would end patronage of Authorized Drug Vendors in the State.

“This is one of the best ways of integrating the informal sector into the scheme’s pool which further advances our match to achieving universal health coverage”, he said.

Comrade Azor, therefore, made passionate appeal to the Governor to redeem his promise of onboarding a Social Protection Policy in the State. This he said would institutionalize Social Security and Welfare of citizens as is obtainable in other climes.