By Ahmed Ahmed
A Group Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PDI), has sensitised Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on health insurance to achieve universal health coverage.
The J4PDI Coordinator, Mrs Elizabeth Carr, at a town hall meeting for update of health insurance on Monday in Bauchi, said sensitisation on health insurance is paramount to the citizens.
She said the meeting was organized to express concern and generate ideas on health contributory schemes toward reducing out of pocket expenditures.
“The sensitisation would provide an opportunity for people to register for health insurance as well as benefit from the services and opportunities of enrollment into the scheme,’’ she said.
Carr explained that the town hall meeting was supported by USAID, Palladium and Center for Social Justice.
On his part, Mr Martin Eke, Programme Manager, Center for Social Justice (CSJ) explained that enrollment into the insurance scheme increases benefits and reduces financial burden.
He said the contributory scheme would increase funding for the health sector and improve universal health coverage.
“That would also encourage and improve transparency and accountability in governance.
“Health contributory schemes make society healthier if embrace, would lead to a productive society.
“The reality is that you cannot achieve universal health insurance without a health scheme,’’ Eke said.
Also Speaking, Malam Shamsudeen Yahaya, Head of Department, Information Communication Technology (ICT), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) explained that health insurance ensures equitable distribution of healthcare among different income groups.
He said health insurance also protects families from the financial hardship of huge medical bills.
“It ensures efficiency in healthcare services as well as limits the rise in the cost of healthcare services and ensures that every Nigerian has access to good health care services,’’ he said
Mr Usamatu Mohammed, representative of Jamaatul Izalatul Bidia Waikamatis Sunna (JIBWIS), Gwallaga, urged the relevant stakeholders to translate the health insurance act and used it in sermons at various places of worship.