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Adamawa Govt launches health insurance scheme

Adamawa Govt launches health insurance scheme
By Muhammad Adam
Healthcare
Yola, May 13, 2019 (NAN) Gov. Muhammadu Bindow of Adamawa on has inaugurated the State Health Insurance Scheme.
Inaugurating the scheme on Monday in Yola, Bindow said it was established over a year ago when the state government signed contract agreement with Pharm Access Foundation.
“The launch of this Health Insurance Scheme will move Adamawa closer to its goal of achieving Universal Healthcare Coverage to its financially underprivileged citizens.
“I believe the achievements recorded by our administration from 2015 to 2019 has set a strong foundation for the delivery of healthcare services to the people of the state,” the governor said.
He listed the employment of 2,307 various health workers, production of skilled workforce and improvement of planning and coordination in health sector as achievements recorded by his outgoing administration.
Earlier speaking, Dr Fatima Atiku, the state Commissioner for Health, said that the scheme was introduced to tackle the magnitude of challenge facing healthcare delivery and access in the state.
Fatima said the scheme was aimed at giving solution to tackle about 72 per cent residents of the state who live in rural areas.
“The state government has set aside an initial of N600 million as capitalisation of the state Health Insurance Fund in 2019 budget.
“The new law passed by the state Assembly has committed government to contribute one per cent of the annual Consolidated Revenue Fund to pay for the poorest of the society through an equity fund.
“This will result in the availability of sufficient fund to pay for the healthcare insurance premiums of poor pregnant women, children and men in the state,” she said.
She added that the state residents would soon begin to enjoy the health benefits of the scheme that include maternal and child care services, emergency care services and minor surgeries, among others.
The commissioner noted that the scheme would cover all citizens of the state irrespective of their socio-economic status, gender or age, to access quality and affordable healthcare services at all times. (NAN)
AMA/OIF/MST
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

CNPP wants Edo Govt to introduce health insurance scheme

CNPP wants Edo Govt to introduce health insurance scheme
By Deborah Coker
Healthcare
Benin, Jan. 8, 2019 (NAN) The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the Edo Government to adapt and introduce the health insurance scheme for the people of the state.
Mr Roy Oribhabor, the State Chairman of CNPP, made the appeal on Tuesday in Benin in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Oribhabor said it had become necessary to call on the state government to commence scheme reminiscent of what was obtainable in Lagos and other states of the federation.
He noted that research carried out by the state chapter of the conference clearly showed that Edo people needs health insurance scheme to better their health management programmes.
He said that it was in view of this that the appeal had become pertinent in order to prevent avoidable deaths.
“Health insurance scheme will provide wide range of opportunities and accessibilities for health seekers and drastically reduce the stress of emergency situations and give sense of belonging to tackle health issues and challenges.
“It i also of great importance to establish more civilised methods to access healthcare services because this administration under Gov Godwin Obaseki has shown seriousness in regards to primary healthcare.
“It is on record that about 200 primary health centres have been mapped out to be constructed under four years with up to date equipment to deliver healthcare services.
“With only 20 primary health centres currently constructed it is a clear indication that more effort should be invested through health insurance scheme as a welcome development to enhance and further position the system,” Oribhabor said.
He commended the renovation of existing primary health centres and lauded the performing disposition of the governor. (NAN)
DCO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

World Prematurity Day: Commissioner advocates inclusion of preterm babies in health insurance

World Prematurity Day: Commissioner advocates inclusion of preterm babies in health insurance
By Ugonne Uzoma
Advocacy
Owerri, Nov. 17, 2018 (NAN) The Imo for Health Commissioner, Dr Angela Uwakwem, has advocated the inclusion of preterm babies in the National Health Insurance Scheme to promote preterm care.
Uwakwem made the call at the celebration of World Prematurity Day at the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri, on Saturday.
She said this would improve the survival chances of preterm babies while significantly reducing the cost of their care.
She noted that many hospitals are discouraged from setting special care units for preterm babies as a result of the huge costs incurred in the maintenance of such units.
The commissioner commended the National Association of Nigerian Paediatric Nurses (NANPAN) for their efforts at promoting the area of paediatric nursing despite their low numbers and lack of resources.
She also commended them for selfless devotion to the care of preterm babies and their dedication to the job.
Earlier, the President of NANPAN, Mrs Olubumi Lawal, said the day is celebrated annually on Nov. 17, to raise awareness about preterm births, concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide.
Lawal also stated that the World Health Organisation reports that approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year.
It further identified Nigeria as number three among 10 top countries with high rate of preterm births of 773,600.
She appealed also for the capturing of the needs of preterm babies in the annual budgets, while reiterating the need to include preterm babies in the NHIS.
She also called for more nurses to specialise in the area of paediatric nursing to curb the prevalence of preterm mortality in the country.
Besides, the NANPAN president called for the establishment of new born units in hospitals or new born corners at the very least to encourage “Kangaroo Mothercare” for preterm babies.
In a goodwill message, a representative from the NHIS, Mr Mike Agwu, said NHIS has programmes focused on providing good healthcare to children.
He added that a more concerted effort will improve better reports, adding that the NHIS is willing to partner with the association to eradicate infant mortality in the country. (NAN)
UOI/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Association demands inclusion of FP services into Health Insurance Schemes

Association demands inclusion of FP services into Health Insurance Schemes

By Mustapha Yauri
Reproduction
Abuja, Nov. 7, 2018 (NAN) The Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) has called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to include Family Planning (FP) services into Health Insurance Schemes to scale-up access to FP and other reproductive health services.
AAFP is the umbrella of CSOs promoting reproductive healthcare services in Nigeria.
The group made the appeal during a media roundtable hosted by MamaYe Evidence for Action ahead of the Dec. 4 National FP Conference in Abuja.
The roundtable was also in preparation for the Annual Population Lecture Series (APLS).
Dr Mojisola Odeku, the Country Director, Nigeria Urban and Reproductive Health Initiative II (NURHI 2), said contraceptives and other FP services should be part of the minimum healthcare package by the health insurance providers.
She noted that full coverage of FP services will open opportunities for health insurance enrolees to access the services at private facilities at affordable rate.
Odeku said for Nigeria to increase its contraceptive prevalence rate health insurance providers must provide full FP services beyond counselling, coverage of ante natal services and deliveries.
Earlier, Dr Ejike Orji, the Chairman, Technical and Management Committee, AAFP, said the 5th NFPC would hold between Dec. 4 and 6.
He said there would be three pre-conferences on interfaith, youth and women, while the main conference would focus on investment, innovation and inclusiveness.
According to Orji, “we want to see more investment, and new ways of doing things towards scaling up FP uptake in Nigeria’’.
“National Population Commission says that Nigeria has about 198 million people; in 2006 Nigeria was about 140 million which we added 58 million people in 12 years.
“It is a fastest population growing trajectory in recent times, we are in serious trouble and demographic crises unless we watch it,’’ he said.
He said another issue the conference would discuss would be inclusiveness as an effort to ensure that no one was left behind in planning services.
He said the association was worried that not much investment was made at sub-national level, adding “we want to see more commitment at that area’’.
“The federal government has done a lot; it provided and released four million dollars in the 2017 budget into the national family planning basket.
“Even though it was not enough, it is a great departure from zero allocation,’’ he said.
Malam Muhammad Tola, Co-Chairman, Media and Publicity sub-Committee of the conference, appealed to stakeholders to empower journalists and media houses to enable them focus on FP issues and engage in investigative journalism. (NAN)
AM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Healthcare: Katsina Govt advocates more synergy among stakeholders

Healthcare: Katsina Govt advocates synergy among stakeholders
By Auwalu Yusuf
Insurance
Daura (Katsina State), June 14, 2018 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has called for collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector to deliver effective and efficient services to the people.
The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Dr Kabir Mustapha, made the call in Daura on Thursday at the closing of a two-day zonal sensitisation workshop for stakeholders on Community Based Social Health Insurance Programme (CBHIP).
Mustapha said cooperation and understanding was needed for the success of numerous health programmes initiated up for the benefit of Nigerians, stressing health is wealth.
He commended the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Maternal and Child Health (MNCH2) for wider coverage of the state in their activities.
He described the workshop as timely and very much desirous especially considering the commitments and determination of the state government on promotion of health.
The scribe pledged the readiness of the state government to continue to partner with the relevant agencies to make the health sector very competitive nationwide.
Mustapha assured that the proposed Contributory Health Scheme Bill initiated by the executive would soon be passed into law by the state House of Assembly as due process were almost completed.
Responding, Mr Ashiru Karate, the NHIS Coordinator in the state, described the workshop as eventful considering the interest generated during the question and answer sessions.
He noted that the participants have demonstrated a sense of maturity, understanding and enthusiasm during the training.
The participants included traditional rulers, religious and community leaders.
Karate added that after successful registration and enrolment of the participating associations a cash subsidy would be provided to the associations through their bank accounts to qualify them for enrolment.
He disclosed that the NHIS has so far registered 10 associations in the state which is the highest nationwide, stressing “we are determined to enroll as many as possible associations’’.
Malam Sule Ibrahim, representative of the District Head of Daura, Alhaji Auwalu Farouk-Umar, lauded the efforts of the state government for organising the workshop.
According to him, the lesson learnt by the participants was enormous and beneficial as it would further reposition the health sector if fully implemented.
He described CBHIP as a welcome development, stressing we will strive to enroll many associations with the projected minimum number of 1,000 people per group.
He said the participants would take the message to the public forum through the district, village and ward heads as well as Imams of all mosques across the zone for wider coverage.
“We would also organise local sensitisation talks for effective and efficient understanding of the lofty objectives of the scheme,’’ the traditional ruler said.
He noted that the success recorded in the zone on routine immunisation was sequel to the commitment of the stakeholders and state government especially the traditional and religious leaders, saying “we were rated polio free by the relevant health indicators’’.
NAN reports that the workshop was organised by the state government in collaboration with NHIS and MNCH2 across the three zones of Daura, Katsina and Funtua.
Not less than 300 participants were exposed on the benefits associated with the CBHIP. (NAN)
BKD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Enugu Government to establish health insurance scheme

Enugu Government to introduce health insurance scheme
By Emmanuel Acha
Insurance
Enugu, June 5, 2018 (NAN) The Enugu State Government has announced plans to introduce Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS) for workers in the state public service.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu.
He said the decision was taken by the State Executive Council following a presentation by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Fintan Ekochin.
Anikwe said that the state government would soon prepare a draft bill for the establishment of the state Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which would be forwarded to the State Assembly for approval.
He said that the passage of that bill would usher in the implementation of the scheme in the state.
“The State Executive Council has approved to unbundle a draft bill for the establishment of Enugu State Universal Health Coverage from the Health Sector Reform Bill.
“The process will also involve the engagement of consultant health insurers willing to offer their services free of charge, as well as the constitution of competent ministry staff to manage the process,” he said.
Anikwe said that the health commissioner had while briefing the council assured that the ministry would work out the feasibility details of the scheme.
“Ekochin had assured that the state will enjoy the best deal in terms of cost effectiveness and efficiency by considering and exploiting the available opportunities in the scheme.
“The opportunities include one per cent fund from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation by contributing 25 per cent of the cost of implementing the project in the state.
“There is also an access to the 62 million dollars grant by the World Bank, through its Global Financing Facility which supports Nigeria to achieve Universal Health Coverage to target the health of women and children,” he said.
The commissioner said that the implementation of the SHIS would also pave way for access to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by workers in the state.
Besides, Anikwe said the proposed law would ensure access to technical and financial support by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for states without primary healthcare development agency.
“We were also informed that the state has citizens with vast federal and international experiences as technocrats and health system experts.
“There are also those directly managing and interfacing with such projects who are ready to assist their home state to set up UHC.
“The people in the rural areas can benefit in the scheme from ongoing engagement of specialist medical consultants to work in the district hospitals,” Anikwe said. (NAN)
EOA/UDO/MST
Edited by Udochukwu Ifionu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Bauchi Govt task journalists, CSOs on Health Contributory Scheme

Bauchi Govt task journalists, CSOs on Health Contributory Scheme
By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Knowledge
Bauchi, April 18, 2018 (NAN) The Bauchi State Government has urged journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to disseminate accurate knowledge to residents on the state Health Contributory Management Agency.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Zuwaira Ibrahim, made the call on Wednesday in Bauchi at a two-day training for the journalists and CSOs on the workability of the agency.
“I want the participants to disseminate accurate knowledge on the State Health Scheme to the teeming population as one of the financing mechanism for healthcare in the state.
“It is your responsibility to properly educate the general public on the structure of the scheme and how it works.
“And also sensitise them on the advantages of the health contributory scheme and the benefits.
“So I enjoin you to effectively sensitise the general public about the agency,” she said.
Ibrahim stressed the need for an all inclusive policy as the state was set to establish the healthcare agency.
She said the bill was passed by the House of Assembly and recently assented to by the state governor.
She said the state government has organised series of workshops to keep all stakeholders abreast about the functionality of the agency.
“To deepen the stakeholders of its understanding with a view to educating the larger society about its objectives.
“Traditional, religious rulers and community leaders as well as other voluntary associations were consulted.
“I therefore urge you to actively participate in the workshop to acquire the desired knowledge towards achieving the desired goals,” the commissioner said.
Zuwaira explained that the scheme would improve health financing using a robust mechanism to help achieve Universal Health Coverage.
She said the workshop was also designed to develop a State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS) communication and media plan contextual to Bauchi and identify areas of media and CSOs support in reporting activities of the scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by state Ministry of Health with the support of USAID and Health Finance and Governance (HFG). (NAN)
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

NHIS urges states to adapt health insurance scheme

NHIS urges states to adapt health insurance scheme
NAN-HG-12
Healthcare
By Talatu Maiwada
Owerri, Nov. 1, 2017 (NAN) Malam Attahiru Ibrahim, the Acting Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has called on State Governments to adapt NHIS mechanisms in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Ibrahim made call at the NHIS forum for state Commissioners for Health on the introduction of State Social Health Insurance Scheme on Wednesday in Owerri.
“One of the major challenges in the implementation of sustainable health insurance system in Nigeria is the non-adaptation of the NHIS mechanism by states to pursue the common goal of UHC.
“The non-uptake of the programme by the states has seriously hampered the attainment of UHC as states can really bring in the numbers.
“The NHIS has realised the importance of states as stakeholders to the overall improvement of coverage therefore must be constructively engaged in performing their roles as well as contribute to the national goal,’’ he said.
The acting scribe explained that the meeting was significant as it represents the phase of galvanising engagement with states across the federation.
Ibrahim, however, recognised and appreciated states involved in the pursuit of UHC, assuring that NHIS is ready to accord any state the necessary technical support to perform its function.
He stated that with the decentralisation of health insurance policy, NHIS hope to see that all states take the lead in the implementation of health insurance in the country.
The acting executive secretary identified some of the challenges in achieving UHC as sustainable resource mobilisation mechanism, dangers of pool fragmentation, attendant administrative costs, and coverage of the poor and hard to reach, among others.
He reiterated that NHIS would provide the needed leadership and support towards ensuring that citizens were given the power to access health care whenever they needed it. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola