By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA) has called on philanthropists, healthcare providers, and the media to support its mission of delivering quality and affordable healthcare services across the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Lafia, the Executive Secretary of NASHIA, Dr. Yahaya Bawa Ubam, underscored the crucial role of the media in creating awareness and educating the public about the agency’s activities. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage, stressing that public engagement is key to the success of the state’s health insurance scheme.
Highlighting the agency’s progress since its establishment six years ago, Dr. Ubam revealed that over 280,000 residents, including civil servants, informal sector workers, and vulnerable groups, are now enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme. He credited the expansion of service coverage and increased participation of healthcare facilities to the strategic efforts of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration.
Despite these strides, he pointed out key challenges such as limited funding, low awareness among informal sector workers, and compliance issues within healthcare facilities.
To address these concerns, he outlined proactive measures, including regular monitoring, public awareness campaigns, disciplinary actions against erring facilities and beneficiaries, and the exploration of alternative funding mechanisms.
Dr. Ubam urged the media to amplify these efforts, emphasizing their role in promoting healthcare accessibility.
Responding to the agency’s call, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, Mohammed Salisu Alkali, pledged the union’s commitment to collaborating with NASHIA in sensitizing the public about the health insurance scheme.
He noted that increased awareness would significantly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improve access to quality medical services across the state.
