Niger state government has on Wednesday disclosed that despite its efforts to provide affordable, accessible and qualitative healthcare, ninety nine percent (99%) of residents in state are yet to enjoy any form of Health insurance.
While making this disclosure at the launch of Niger state Contributory Health Scheme (NGSCHS) and Access to Health Care Service in Minna, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Muhammad Makusidi said the scheme will safeguard individuals and families against huge medical bills.
In his words, “Niger state is one of the few states in Nigeria that progressively increased spending on health. However, only one percent of Niger state residents enjoy any form of Health insurance leaving out the 99% of the residents.”
He added that, “the NiCare health benefit package is one of the most robust in the country which covers over 200 disease conditions and health care services including but not limited to treatment of malaria, typhoid, comprehensive maternal obstetric care, including Cesarean section, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, consultation fee, basic laboratory investigations.
“Some days of admission, basic drugs, medical check-up and some surgeries like incision and drainage, appendectomy. The package also includes 24-hours referral access to accredited public and private hospitals”.
In his remarks, Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello has disclosed that “an Executive Order will soon be issued to enforce the mandatoriness of the Scheme.
He further pointed that, some individuals may not be able to pay the premium due to their financial standing.
Accordingly, he said “we have set aside Equity fund in 2022 budget appropriation which is 1% of Consolidated Revenue of the State to take care of these vulnerable groups who are otherwise unable to pay for their healthcare needs in addition to funding from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
“We are also paying the 25% Counterpart fund in order to continue to access the BHCPF.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, NiCARE, Dr, Mohammed Usman said “residents can enroll into Niger State Contributory Health Scheme tagged NiCare (which means Niger Care) as Informal Sector beneficiary on payment of N7,200 per annum per head.
“Formal sector beneficiary will contribute N3,600 per employee per month to cover a family of 6 persons. Enrollment for Poorest of the Poor or Vulnerable persons which cost N12,000 per individual is payed by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in conjunction with Niger State Government.”
