Kaduna State government says 40, 000 beneficiaries within target groups have been identified and enrolled into the Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe stated at the flag off ceremony in Kaduna on the identification and enrolment exercise for beneficiaries under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Balarabe mentioned that, the flag off program is an important milestone in the history of the State, as the first set of 40, 000 beneficiaries within the target groups, who are children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, the elderly and people living with disabilities would be identified and enrolled into the program.
“This is one important program that aims to increase access to Basic Minimum Health Care Services for all Nigerians towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, UHC”.
Dr Hadiza further explained that, government has shown great commitment to this course by the establishment of the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA). From its establishment to date, the Authority has recorded remarkable achievements.
“According to her, the enrollment of about 40,000 beneficiaries into the scheme registered 12,000 vulnerable persons to the accredited Primary Health Care facilities.
About 300 accreditated Health Care facilities at both primary and secondary levels of care have been registered while about 120 enrollees have so far accessed care under the scheme”.
The Deputy Governor said, goverment has also earmarked 1 percent of its Consolidated Revenue Funds (CRF) to the Authority for the provision of free health care services to the vulnerable population in the State.
She enjoined residents to ensure that as the Authority enrolls eligible beneficiaries into the BHCPF, their families are enrolled into the Contributory Health Scheme too.
Dr Hadiza appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health, National Identity Management Commission and other implementing Agencies at both Federal and State Levels for their commitment, people, the NHIS for providing all the necessary support and coordination towards the successful implementation of the program.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Baloni said government has also earmarked 1 per cent of its consolidated revenue to carter for the treatment of the vulnerable population.
Boloni added that, the State has conducted a quick assessment of 250 facilities across the State to assertain their level of readiness in providing quality health services.
She assured that, the Ministry will closely monitor judicious utilizations of funds to ensure that the targeted groups benefit from the program.
In his remark, the Director General of the State Contributory health Management Authority, Aliyu Saidu said, the support provided by the State government has made the Agency one of the highest enrolment centres across the 36 States.
He said the health scheme has met all the criteria and have been working tirelessly to see all residents have access to facilities without financial constraints.
