ENUGU: The Enugu State Government has announced a new initiative offering a monthly payment of N1,000 to cover hypertension treatment in public hospitals via the state Health Insurance Scheme. This initiative was revealed by Dr. Edith Okolo, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), in a statement commemorating the 2025 World Hypertension Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme for the 2025 World Hypertension Day is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’ This theme underscores the importance of early detection and timely treatment of hypertension. Dr. Okolo emphasized that under the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, Governor Peter Mbah has ensured comprehensive management of hypertension, which includes blood pressure monitoring, laboratory tests, anti-hypertensive medications, necessary hospital admissions, and physiotherapy sessions for stroke patients, all for just N1,000 per person monthly.
In celebration of World Hypertension Day, the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage will provide free blood pressure checks at its office from May 19 to 23, between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. Residents are encouraged to enroll in the health insurance scheme for optimal healthcare services. For enrollment, individuals can contact via call or WhatsApp at 09015297467 or visit the UHC House at 12 Colliery Avenue, off Okpara Avenue by Subway Bus Stop, GRA Enugu.
Dr. Okolo defined hypertension as a condition where blood pressure is consistently high, with systolic pressure over 130mmHg and diastolic pressure over 90mmHg. She highlighted that over 1 billion adults globally, around 45 percent of the adult population, are affected by hypertension. In Nigeria, approximately 31 percent of adults in urban areas and 27 percent in rural areas suffer from the condition. While some may experience symptoms like severe headaches, blurred vision, and chest pain, many with hypertension remain asymptomatic.
The medical expert warned that untreated or poorly managed hypertension could lead to severe health issues, including stroke, heart attacks, heart disease, kidney disease, and loss of vision. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that World Hypertension Day, marked annually on May 17, aims to raise global awareness about high blood pressure and its potential health risks.