IHP Drums More Enrolment Into Health Insurance In Bauchi

By Dorcas Dauda 

The Integrated Health Programme, IHP funded by the United States Agency For International Development, USAID has pleaded for enrollment into Health Insurance Scheme in Bauchi State.

In his keynote remark at the opening of a two-day media engagement in Azare the State director of IHP, Dr Alhassan Siaka stressed the need to improve health coverage in the state as there are lots of challenges in accessing health care services by the majority.

He said that Bauchi State have 5.3 million people out of the estimated 8 million population classified as extremely poor, and as such continually paying for their health care services out of their pockets will be extremely difficult.

He added that the three elements of health insurance include, Formal health insurance, Informal health insurance and the vulnerable people who do not have the resources to pay for their health insurance.

Dr Alhassan implored the Bauchi state government, stakeholders and media organizations to ensure the vulnerable population has access to health care services.

In his presentation on the Benefits of Health insurance and the role of the Media in Bauchi state, the IHP financing advisor, Khalid Kasimi said that Only a few people have access to quality healthcare services, despite the huge investment in the health sector of the State.

He called on the media to step up in their roles as gatekeepers.

He also urges them to help influence social behavioural change communication, adding that the media is largely responsible for what society believes and adheres to.