Kebbi enrols 50,000 vulnerable residents in health insurance scheme

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has approved the enrolment of 50,000 poor and vulnerable residents into the Kebbi State Social Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and accelerate the state’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage.

The Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Contributory Health Care Management Agency, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Dandare, disclosed this on Saturday, describing the approval as a landmark intervention that demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

According to him, the latest approval comes barely a year after the state government enrolled another 50,000 poor and vulnerable persons under the Equity Fund.

“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,” Dandare said.

He added, “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.”

Dandare said the fresh enrolment would improve the state’s health indicators, enhance its standing among states in the Northern Governors’ Forum, and fast-track the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

He disclosed that the enrolment exercise would commence in the coming weeks across the state’s 21 local government areas.

“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,” he stressed.

The KECHEMA boss also appealed to healthcare providers to exercise patience over the challenges affecting the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

He explained that delays in the release of the first and second quarter BHCPF funds by the National Health Insurance Agency had affected some programme activities.

“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,” Dandare said.

However, he assured stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to resolve the funding challenges.

“The Kebbi State Government and KECHEMA are actively engaging the relevant authorities to ensure the outstanding funds are released and seamless implementation of the programme is restored,” he pointed out.

Dandare expressed appreciation to Idris for approving the initiative, pledging that the agency would ensure its successful implementation.

“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency for this historic approval. KECHEMA remains committed to ensuring that this initiative translates into improved access to healthcare and better health outcomes for the people of Kebbi State,” he said.