Arrangements have been finalized for the enrollment of vulnerable groups into the Community Targeted Social Health Insurance Programme (CITISHIP) by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Yobe State.
The disclosure was made by the NEDC State Coordinator, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abas, FCIA, after a stakeholders’ implementation meeting held in Damaturu.
He explained that the commission is prioritizing maternal and child health, with 40% of children under five years and 35% of pregnant women targeted for the scheme.
Additionally, 10% each of the disabled and aged populations will benefit, while 5% of the slots are reserved for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Prof. Abas further noted that one local government area from each of the three senatorial districts has already been selected for the pilot phase of the programme.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salisu Hassan, the NHIA focal person representing the NHIA State Coordinator, Malam Mansur Akilu, commended the initiative, describing it as a laudable step toward expanding health insurance coverage in Nigeria.
He urged politicians and wealthy individuals to emulate NEDC by sponsoring vulnerable groups for health insurance coverage that would guarantee access to quality healthcare.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Babagana Tijjani, pledged the agency’s full commitment to ensuring smooth implementation.
Similarly, Malam Ismail Murtala, Deputy Marketing Manager of Infinite HMO, called on stakeholders to give maximum support for the programme’s success.
In his remarks, the ALGON Chairman in Yobe and Chairman of Damaturu Local Government, Hon. Bukar Adamu, appreciated the NEDC management for sponsoring the vulnerable groups in the selected LGAs and expressed hope that with time the programme will be expanded to more local governments in the State.
The meeting drew participation from key stakeholders, including the representative of the state Ministry of Heath; Dr. Abubakar Yerima of the State Hospital Management Board; Alhaji Ma’azu A. Godowoli from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Ibrahim Maikasuwa of the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board; as well as representative from NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
It will be recalled that the NEDC Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, had earlier approved similar programmes in the other five North-East states, targeting community members for enrollment into health insurance schemes to enhance access to quality healthcare for the less privileged across the region.
