KECHEMA to capture 87,000 Kebbi civil servants for contributory healthcare scheme

From Ismail Adebayo Birnin Kebbi

Over 87,000 Kebbi State civil servants are to be enrolled in the healthcare contributory scheme as the state contributory healthcare management (KECHEMA) flagged off the formal sector enrollment.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Jafar Muhammad Augie disclosed this to newsmen during the capturing of top civil servants at the office of the Acting Head of State Civil Service.

Dr. Augie said the formal sector enrolment was to enable civil servants in the state to enjoy affordable healthcare services as three percent of their salaries are being deducted for the scheme.

He said with this development civil servants in the state would enjoy healthcare services from the various facilities in the state. He enjoined them to inform the agency of any lapses or obstacles while accessing the facilities for immediate response.

He also charged staff of KECHEMA and the various staff of the state health facilities to be ready for the challenges to ensure a successful take-off. The KECHEMA boss also said it's hoped that the incoming administration would sustain the programme for the benefit of the Kebbi people.

While being enrolled in the scheme, the State Acting Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Sufiyanu Garba enjoined the state civil servants to take advantage of the scheme by offering themselves for capturing as it would afford them easy access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

He enjoined the Agency to exhibit a high level of commitment to the benefit of civil servants in the state.

While responding to questions from journalists the state Acting permanent secretary, ministry of health, Dr. Abubakar Ikoko said the enrollment of civil servants in the healthcare contributory scheme would strengthen the healthcare delivery system in the state. "The ministry of health would support KECHEMA on its mandate to run the scheme and ensure every Kebbi citizens enjoy it", he said.

The State Chairman, of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Umar Alhassan, called on the State government to contribute 10 percent contribution to the scheme to enable the state civil servants to enjoy the services effectively.