Contributory health care insurance scheme underway

Kano State’s Head of Service, Alhaji Auwal Na’iya, said plans were underway to introduce Contributory Healthcare Insurance Scheme for civil servants in the state.

He said the scheme would ensure an effective and sustainable healthcare system for the state workforce and their dependents.

"This arrangement is being made through the office of the Head of Service in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Justice.’’

He said a Bill on Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency would be sent to the State House of Assembly for consideration.

"With the full implementation of the scheme, it will cover workers in the state service, primary school teachers and local government employees.

"The organised private and informal sectors will follow suit while other citizens of the state could have access to the scheme under the guidance of the proposed state agency,’’ he said.

Assistant General Manager, Nigerian Health Insurance Scheme, Kano State office, Malam Abdullahi Gwarzo, said some problems that might be associated with the proposed scheme extensive deliberation.

Kano State’s Commissioner of Health, Dr Kabiru Getso said Universal Health Coverage was affordable, efficient and a right for every citizen.

"Healthcare financing is capital intensive and an important factor that determines the quality of care.

"It needs sustainable funding through the provision of an affordable, easily accessible and qualitative healthcare delivery services," he said.

He said contributory healthcare financing was globally accepted to achieve a state where majority of the population could have access to beneficial health packages without being pushed into poverty.