The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) on Wednesday took its enrollment campaign to the Lokoja International Market as part of efforts to expand health insurance coverage among traders, artisans and other informal sector workers.
The Executive Secretary of KGSHIA, Dr Adekunle Aledare, said the initiative was aimed at extending affordable healthcare services to the informal sector, which accounts for more than 95 per cent of the state’s population.
Aledare said the agency was implementing Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s directive to ensure that every resident has access to healthcare through the state’s Vital Contributory Health Insurance Plan.
According to him, the scheme enables informal sector workers to access healthcare services at accredited primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities across the state for an annual premium of N15,000.
He said the package covers treatment for common ailments such as malaria, typhoid, hypertension and diabetes, as well as maternal and child healthcare, surgeries, routine medical check-ups and referrals where necessary.
Aledare said the outreach would be extended beyond Lokoja to all 21 local government areas and the state’s 239 wards to increase enrollment.
He disclosed that although more than 245,000 residents had been enrolled in the scheme, a significant proportion of the population remained uncovered due to low public awareness.
According to him, the market outreach, which featured free medical screening and treatment, became necessary because media campaigns alone had not generated the desired level of enrollment.
He urged traders, artisans and other residents to register for the scheme and enrol members of their families to enjoy affordable and quality healthcare services.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livelihood, Mrs Miriam Usman, commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for expanding the health insurance scheme to artisans and other informal sector workers.
She encouraged residents to take advantage of the affordable programme, describing it as a major step toward improving access to quality healthcare.
Also speaking, the Consultant to Lokoja International Market, Adams Babangida, said the market was chosen for the campaign because it serves as a major commercial hub where traders, artisans and residents converge daily.
He commended the state government for prioritising the welfare of citizens through policies designed to make quality healthcare accessible to all.
NAN reports that officials of the agency conducted free medical screening and treatment for traders and artisans during the sensitisation exercise, while interested participants were enrolled into the health insurance scheme.
Source: (NAN)
