35,609 vulnerable groups to benefit from FG N427m basic health provision fund in Kebb

Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi

No fewer than 35,609 vulnerable groups are to benefit from the N427,316.041Basic Health Care Provision Funds disbursed to Kebbi State by the Federal Government through the NHIS.

Addressing journalists during a press conference at his office, Executive Secretary Dr. Jafar Muhammad Augie said, this is the second tranche so far received since it was flagged off in 2020.

He added that there was an increment of twenty million naira compared to last year, and this will immensely increase the number of facilities up to 71 in the state.

He commended the federal government for the prompt disbursement of the funds and thereby appealing to the state government to do the same so as to capture vulnerable groups as many as possible.

Dr. Jafar explained that it is mandatory for every citizen in the state to have access to medical care services going by universal health coverage, but this may not be achieved without the formal sector keying into the scheme.

According to a press release signed by the agency's Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Jajirma 

the tranche disbursed to the agency by the federal government will only cover 0.6 percent of the total population of over 5million people in the state. Kebbi state was second in the country to have enrolled beneficiaries of BHCPF and the first to offer 100 percent access to free medical care services.

He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Agency last year noting that 33,938 enrollees were given access to medical services amounting to 66.6 percent so far recorded in 2020. So impliedly 22,602 beneficiaries had visited facilities severally.

Executive Secretary, urged Journalists to assist the agency in creating more awareness on the need for wealthy people, especially politicians to pay for some vulnerable people in their respective constituencies.  

Dr. Jafar used the forum to commend Governor Abubakar Bagudu for the foresight of creating the agency, he thanked Royal fathers whose contributions have made it possible for some of their subjects to benefit from the scheme.