Kebbi enrolls 50,000 vulnerable residents in health insurance scheme

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has approved the enrollment of 50,000 poor and vulnerable residents into the state's Social Health Insurance Scheme. This move aims to broaden access to quality healthcare and advance the state's goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

“

This approval by His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, is another clear demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the less privileged and the strengthening of Kebbi State’s healthcare system.

The Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Contributory Health Care Management Agency, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Dandare, highlighted the approval as a significant intervention. He noted that this follows the state government's enrollment of another 50,000 vulnerable individuals under the Equity Fund just last year. Dandare emphasized the governor's consistent commitment to the welfare of the less privileged and the strengthening of the healthcare system.

“

Last year, the governor approved the enrolment of another 50,000 poor and vulnerable people under the Equity Fund. These interventions reflect the administration’s sustained investment in social protection and equitable access to affordable healthcare.

These efforts represent a sustained investment in social protection and equitable access to affordable healthcare, according to Dandare. He anticipates the new enrollment will improve the state's health indicators, enhance its standing among Northern Governors' Forum states, and accelerate the journey toward Universal Health Coverage. The agency plans to begin the enrollment process in the coming weeks across all 21 local government areas, targeting approximately 200 beneficiaries per ward for fair distribution.

“

The agency will begin the enrolment exercise in the coming weeks across all the 21 local government areas, targeting an average of 200 eligible beneficiaries from each of the 225 electoral wards to ensure fairness and equitable distribution.

Dandare also addressed challenges faced by healthcare providers, appealing for patience regarding delays in the release of Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) installments from the National Health Insurance Agency. These delays have impacted some program activities. However, he assured stakeholders that the Kebbi State Government and KECHEMA are actively working with relevant authorities to secure the outstanding funds and restore seamless program implementation.

“

We appeal to our healthcare providers to remain patient. The agency has experienced delays in receiving the first and second quarter BHCPF releases from the National Health Insurance Agency, and this has impacted some programme activities.