Cross River begins compulsory health insurance scheme for civil servants

Cross River State has relaunched its formal-sector health insurance scheme and made enrolment compulsory for all public and civil servants.

The state health insurance agency said workers pay N1,000 a month, but they become active members only after registration, biometric capture and assignment to a health facility. Spouses and children under 18 are included in the coverage.

Only 17,000 civil servants are currently enrolled, and new registration points have opened at the Head of Service’s office, the Ministry of Health in the Old Secretariat and the agency’s office in Calabar. The government will require proof of enrolment to access certain services, including promotion interviews and the processing of loan forms.

Officials also cited monthly aerobics and medical checks, saying the programme has helped workers detect conditions such as hypertension and diabetes early.

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Going forward, if you come to Civil Service Commission for Promotion Interview, you have to show your health insurance enrollment card.