By Muhammad Sani Muazu
The Bauchi State Health Contributory Agency (BASHCMA) has enrolled an additional 8,000 vulnerable persons into its healthcare scheme to enhance access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Inuwa Muhammad Duguri, disclosed this during the official registration exercise at Yelwan Duguri District in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Alhaji Duguri emphasized that the agency was established to ensure effective, qualitative, and affordable healthcare delivery while working towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all state residents. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in accessing healthcare services.
According to him, the newly enrolled beneficiaries include elderly persons, children under five years, pregnant women, people living with disabilities and their children, as well as individuals with sickle cell conditions, among others.
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He further revealed that both private and public healthcare facilities had been engaged and accredited to provide services to the beneficiaries. He expressed optimism that the enrollment would accelerate the inclusion of more residents in quality healthcare delivery, stressing that universal access to healthcare is the only way to achieve UHC.
Alhaji Duguri also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increased investment in the health sector. He assured that challenges encountered in implementing the scheme would be addressed to ensure seamless healthcare services for the people of Bauchi State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Alkaleri Local Government, Major Garba Bajama, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim, commended Governor Bala Muhammad for the initiative and pledged the council’s support for the program. He urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the scheme to access quality healthcare services.
Also speaking, the District Head of Duguri, Alhaji Ibrahim Y. M. Baba, represented by Ibrahim Abdullahi, lauded the foresight of Governor Bala Muhammad. He noted that the initiative would significantly mitigate illnesses and epidemics within communities. He further described the enrollment as a milestone in the administration’s efforts to improve healthcare services.
The district head also called on agency staff to intensify efforts in addressing challenges, particularly in rural healthcare centers, to ensure efficient service delivery.