By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Dutse
Jigawa state government has launched the enrolment of political appointees into the Jigawa State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (JICHMA).
The Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State (SSG), Malam Bala Ibrahim, officially launched the scheme.
In his remarks at the flag-off, the SSG emphasized that the initiative aimed to strengthen the health insurance scheme in the state and enhance universal health coverage for all citizens.
He highlighted that the State Executive Council has approved the inclusion of all political office holders into the health scheme, noting that amendments to the JICHMA law have been made to facilitate the enrollment.
Malam Bala Ibrahim urged all political appointees to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in the scheme within the designated timeframe.
The SSG and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Senator Mujitaba Muhammad, were the first to be officially enrolled, setting the stage for the enrollment of all political appointees throughout the state.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Dutse, shared insights about the initiative.
He stated that the programme aimed to provide essential healthcare services to the vulnerable populations of Jigawa State.
Dr. Kabiru revealed that JICHMA has already enrolled 500 vulnerable individuals from each of the 287 political wards across the state.
Beneficiaries of the scheme are digitally selected at the ward level, with their profiles recorded in a central database at the JICHMA head office.
Pharmacist Hamza Maigari Kakudi, the Executive Secretary of the Scheme, confirmed that arrangements for the enrollment of all political appointees have been finalized.
He appealed to the SSG to ensure that all political appointees participate in the crucial enrollment process.
He further noted that the enrollment exercise will take place across the 27 Local Government Areas.
The enrollment initiative was facilitated by Isah Muhammad Sirajo, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Health.
