Agency urges religious leaders to moblise members for free healthcare

Agency urges religious leaders to moblise members for free healthcare
By Aideloje Ojo
The Executive Secretary of the Niger State Health Insurance Agency (NiCare), Sulayman Abu-Bakr has charged religious leaders to assist in mobilising vulnerable persons to assess free health care insisting that many have not been utilizing the facilities.
Abu-Bakr stated this at the weekend during a meeting with religious leaders composed of the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) and Imam Forums in the state.
He explained that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund also caters for the vulnerable group, adding that “the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has recently approved the enrollment of 20,000 individuals under this plan which now enables them to access healthcare at no cost”.
“Despite these efforts, there is a major challenge of low service utilization among the vulnerable population. It is of serious concern that while funds are allocated for the vulnerable, many are not fully utilizing these services. We recognizing the powerful influence religious leaders have in their communities. I therefore urge you to play a role in sensitizing your members and identify vulnerable individuals who could benefit from NiCare’s support”, he explained.
In a presentation, Head of NiCare’s Informal Sector, Hajiya Habiba Umar highlighted the agency’s progress, while providing an overview of its success since inception.
She explained that every state is mandated to have a health insurance agency, adding that NiCare’s Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, covered all the diseases.
In a remarks, the Director in Charge of Women, Youth, and Education (CAN), Archt. Julius James Umoru, said the NiCare’s efforts represents “a renewed hope” for the people of the state.
He urged members of both forums to enroll in NiCare’s scheme and promised to extend the enlightnent drive to women and youth in their communities.
The Executive Secretary offered complimentary health insurance coverage to the clergymen present at the meeting, underscoring NiCare’s commitment to serving all sectors of society.