Get Guardian on GoogleThe Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), has on Monday flagged off the enrollment of 400 vulnerable persons into the Agency’s informal sector scheme in the state.
The insurance enrollment, held on Wednesday in Damaturu was personally sponsored by Governor Mai Mala Buni that will provide beneficiaries with access to basic and quality healthcare services at YSCHMA-accredited health facilities of their choice within the state, including referral services when needed.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Monday at the NANNM Secretariat in Damaturu, marks another milestone in Governor Buni’s commitment to ensuring no Yobe citizen is left behind in accessing quality and affordable healthcare under the YSCHMA contributory health scheme.
Speaking at the event, YSCHMA Executive Secretary Dr. Babagana Tijjani commended Governor Buni for his consistent support and humane leadership, describing the gesture as a lifeline for the poor, elderly, persons with disabilities, widows, and other vulnerable groups who cannot afford healthcare expenses.
“This is not just an enrollment, it is hope. With these enrollee identity cards, 400 vulnerable persons can now walk into any YSCHMA-accredited health facility to receive quality healthcare services without fear of hospital bills,” Dr. Tijjani said.
He urhed politicians, private sector organisations, wealthy individuals, philanthropists, and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Governor Buni by sponsoring vulnerable people in their communities into the health insurance programme.
“The state government cannot do it alone. If every politician, businessman, and philanthropist sponsors 10, 20, or 50 vulnerable persons, we will achieve Universal Health Coverage in Yobe State faster before the 2030 deadline. Health is the best gift you can give to a vulnerable person,” he said.
Dr. Tijjani assured that YSCHMA will continue to expand enrollment, strengthen service delivery, and ensure transparency and accountability across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Representing Governor Buni at the event, the General Manager of YOROTA and Director-General of COYAPO,Bature Goniri, said the provision of quality and accessible healthcare remains a top priority of the administration.
“On assumption of office during my first inaugural address in 2019, I promised to give special attention to healthcare as one of my topmost priorities. Today, I have fulfilled that pledge and I will continue to do more until the last day of my administration,” Buni said.
He said that the government established YSCHMA, YODMA, YOHFIMA, and YEMABUS to provide accessible healthcare services across the state without subjecting residents to financial hardship.
Hon. Goniri pledged to sponsor 50 vulnerable persons across the 17 LGAs on behalf of COYAPO and promised to encourage all Governor Buni Youth political appointees to sponsor at least two persons each into the programme.
Buni also commended Dr. Tijjani, his management team, and staff of the agency for justifying the confidence reposed in them, while urging stakeholders to support the initiative to help the state achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Muhammad Maina and Hajja Gana Bukar, who spoke on behalf of the 400 enrollees, expressed their gratitude s Adamawa to Governor Buni, noting that the enrollment would reduce the financial burden of out-of-pocket health expenses and alleviate some of their life challenges in communities.
