The Taraba state government has enrolled no fewer than 128,000 vulnerable residents under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), marking a significant milestone in its drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The enrollment, carried out by the Taraba State Contributory Health Insurance Agency (TSCHIA), followed the successful validation of beneficiaries using the National Identification Number (NIN).

Speaking yesterday at the flag-off of the 2026 BHCPF enrollment exercise under the Kefas Care Health Insurance Programme for vulnerable groups in Wukari local government council, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Pharm. Jacobs J. Akenzukpi, disclosed that the exercise would also enroll an additional 10,000 vulnerable beneficiaries across the 10 political wards of the council.

Akenzukpi called on traditional rulers, community leaders, Ward Development Committees, religious leaders, women and youth groups, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to mobilise all eligible residents to take advantage of the initiative.

He noted that the agency’s commitment extends beyond enrollment, stressing that beneficiaries under the BHCPF and Kefas Care Health Programme have access to a comprehensive package of healthcare services through a network of accredited healthcare providers.

According to him, the services cover primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare through an effective referral system.

“With a population of about 3.6 million people, Taraba State remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage. While we celebrate the milestone of enrolling over 128,000 vulnerable residents, we recognise that there is still much work to be done,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma Gbansheya, said the administration of governor Agbu Kefas is committed to ensuring that every resident of the state has uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services.

He urged pregnant women, children, persons with disabilities, orphans and the elderly, who are among the major beneficiaries of the programme, to take advantage of the enrollment exercise..

The commissioner highlighted the governor’s investments in the health sector and called on residents of Wukari and the state at large to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery.

The Chairman of the Board of the Taraba State Contributory Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Musa Haruna Ambinkanme, also commended governor Kefas for introducing the initiative, describing it as a major step towards improving the health and well-being of vulnerable residents.

Some beneficiaries who spoke with The Guardian expressed appreciation to the state government, saying the programme would significantly reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare while improving their access to quality medical services.