1,753 vulnerable residents receive health insurance cards in Duguri.

By Kamaluddeen Nuhu Ilelah:

Access to healthcare has received a significant boost in Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, as 1,753 vulnerable residents have received health insurance cards under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The BHCPF is a Federal Government initiative designed to provide healthcare coverage for vulnerable Nigerians, with implementation in Bauchi State being coordinated by the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency (BASHCMA).

Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Secretary of BASHCMA, Alhaji Ibrahim Inuwa Duguri, said the health insurance scheme was designed to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to residents in the state.

He explained that, the scheme operates through three major programmes covering the formal, informal and vulnerable sectors.

According to him, government employees are covered under the formal sector programme, while those in the informal sector can access healthcare services through annual contributions.

He added that, vulnerable persons are covered under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which is implemented in collaboration with the Federal and Bauchi State Governments.

Alhaji Ibrahim Inuwa said the 1,753 beneficiaries would receive free healthcare services at designated facilities, including Duguri Primary Health Centre, Yelwan Duguri, Gar, Shira, Bajama and Lim Kundak Primary Health Care Centres.

He said BASHCMA was committed to ensuring that no resident is denied medical attention because of lack of funds, attributing the progress recorded by the agency to the support of the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

Representative of Emir of Duguri, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad III, the Galadiman Duguri, Alhaji Salmanu Duguri, pledged the traditional institution’s support for the successful implementation of the programme.

He described the initiative as a significant step towards improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable members of the community by providing them with access to free medical care and medication.

Alhaji Salmanu commended the Federal and Bauchi State Governments for supporting the programme, particularly the inclusion of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

He, however, called on BASHCMA to intensify public awareness campaigns to enable more residents to understand, enrol in and benefit from the healthcare services provided under the scheme.

Later, the BASHCMA team, led by its Secretary, held an interactive session with officers in charge of Primary Health Care facilities in the area.

The meeting focused on the effective implementation of the programme, challenges affecting service delivery and measures to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to beneficiaries.

The team also discussed strategies for addressing identified challenges and ensuring that beneficiaries receive timely, efficient and quality medical attention.