SOKOTO STATE FLAGS OFF BHCPF–NHIA GATEWAY ENROLMENT TO EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS
The Sokoto State Government has officially flagged off the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) – National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Gateway Enrolment Programme, reaffirming its commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare services for vulnerable citizens across the state.
Flagging off the programme, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, said the initiative aligns with the 9-Point Smart Agenda of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, FCNA, particularly in strengthening the healthcare delivery system and improving access to essential health services.
The Commissioner stated that the flag-off demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Sokoto State Government to safeguarding the health and well-being of its people through sustainable health financing and expanded health insurance coverage.
He noted that the Governor’s payment of the State’s 25% counterpart funding under the BHCPF-NHIA Gateway Programme is a clear demonstration of His Excellency’s commitment to the successful implementation of the programme and to improving the health and well-being of the people of Sokoto State.
Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar commended the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Sokoto State Social Health Assurance Agency (SOSACA), and other relevant stakeholders for their collaboration and dedication towards the successful implementation of the programme.
He also appreciated UNICEF for supporting the enrolment of vulnerable persons into the health insurance scheme and appealed to other development partners to complement government efforts by supporting the enrolment of more vulnerable groups across the state.
The Commissioner further expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, FCNA, for his prompt approval and continuous support for programmes and policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery in Sokoto State.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SOSACA, Alhaji Sada Ibrahim Durbawa, commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the health sector and improving the welfare of the people.
Speaking during the event, the Director General of SOCHEMA, Dr. Yusuf Abu Abdulkadir, disclosed that the NHIA had approved an increase in the enrolment target from 73,000 to 150,000 beneficiaries. He explained that an additional 97,000 vulnerable persons would now be enrolled to bridge the existing gap.
According to him, the beneficiaries include children under the age of five, persons living with disabilities, and the poorest of the poor, who will benefit from access to essential healthcare services under the scheme.
Also speaking, the NHIA State Coordinator, Bashir Goronyo, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to achieve the enrolment target of 150,000 beneficiaries. He attributed the remarkable progress recorded to the strong commitment and support demonstrated by the Sokoto State Government.
Representing the Chairman of Sokoto North Local Government, Alhaji Jamilu Umar Gosta, the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, FCNA, and the Honourable Commissioner for Health for selecting Sokoto North as the venue for the flag-off.
He urged all targeted beneficiaries to cooperate fully with officials to ensure the successful implementation of the enrolment exercise.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Special Adviser to the Governor on the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Dr. Bello Marnona; the Chairman of SOCHEMA, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Health, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi, mni; the Executive Secretary, SSPHCDA, Dr. Bilyaminu Yari Sifawa; the Executive Secretary, SOSACA, Muktar Isa Ilyasu; the Executive Director, Health Services Management Board, Dr. Bello Abubakar Attahiru; the Director General, Drug Management Supply Agency (DMSMA), Pharmacist Umar Attahiru; Directors of the Ministry for Health; and representatives of other relevant agencies.
The BHCPF–NHIA Gateway Enrolment Programme is expected to significantly expand access to quality healthcare services for vulnerable populations while advancing the Sokoto State Government’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Bashiru Garba
Public Relations Officer
Ministry for Health
Sokoto State
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