Niger State Governor, Farmer Dr. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has formally been enrolled into the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme (NiCare).
Bago was enrolled during the launch of the operational plan at the Council Chamber of Government House, Minna.
The enrolment, which was described as a demonstration of his commitment to quality and accessible healthcare for all citizens, was conducted by the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Sulayman Abu-Bakr.
Also enrolled during the event were the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, further reinforcing the administration’s leading example in healthcare participation.
Speaking, the Governor emphasized the significance and numerous benefits of the health insurance scheme and called on residents, particularly those in the formal sector to take advantage of the program, which aims to reduce out-of-pocket health expenses and improve health outcomes across the state. Commending Abu-Bakr for the remarkable transformation taking place in NiCare and for significantly increasing enrolment figures, Bago urged stakeholders to take ownership of the scheme, adding that “public trust is public wealth.”
Earlier in his presentation, the Executive Secretary highlighted the achievements of NiCARE under the current administration which he noted includes, the launching of NiCare’s Revised Operational Guideline and Health Equity Fund by His Excellency, introduction of a productivity award system recognizing outstanding staff performance, revision of the Operational Guidelines, leading to the expansion of the Agency’s directorates from five to six.
Others, according to him, include the launch of the Equity Fund, a Private Sector Health Plan, and an Incentive System, and the significant growth in enrolment numbers from 53,000 to 139,000, a 160% increase, attributed to the strong political will and support of the Governor.
He reaffirmed that NiCare is committed to position itself as a critical pillar in advancing the Governor’s Livelihood Improvement Agenda, working toward a healthier, more productive Niger State.
THE GUARDIAN
