Buni unveils N2.64 billion free healthcare scheme in Yobe
By Njadvara MUSA, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has launched an N2.64 billion free healthcare scheme for the vulnerable groups across the state.
According to him, the scheme will increase access to high-quality and effective healthcare delivery services to the vulnerable poor.
Unveiling the scheme, yesterday (Wednesday), in Damaturu, Buni disclosed that the execution of the scheme could achieve universal healthcare coverage.
The healthcare scheme is to be executed under the State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (CHMA) with a monthly N20 million free drugs revolving healthcare project;
He added that N40 million drugs and laboratory agents were also procured for the Ministry of Health for distribution to hospitals and health centres.
He said that the construction of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health centre at the State University Teaching Hospital (YUTH) will increase the capacity for secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery services.
Besides, he added that four specialist hospitals at Buni/Yadi, Gashua, Potiskum and Geidam were completed for an upgrade to fully-fledged hospitals.
He further disclosed that the Buni/Gari hospital will also render Emergency Medical Response services to the people.
According to him, this will ensure adequate regulations of healthcare delivery standards at public and private healthcare facilities.
He said that the various healthcare delivery measures are to achieve Universal Health Coverage in meeting global health standards.
“The annual required contribution is N12, 000 for each person,” he said, stating that this will increase access to affordable healthcare at the grassroots.
He, therefore, donated N1.2 million to enrol 100 vulnerable persons into the healthcare scheme.
He also directed the Commissioner of Health, Dr Mohammed Gana to supervise the identification and enrollment of vulnerable groups to ensure access to healthcare services.
Therefore, he tasked healthcare workers and other professionals to reciprocate government efforts and investments in the health sector.
According to him, they are to discharge their professional duties in the delivery of qualitative healthcare services.
He noted that the services should be in line with global best practices of rendering healthcare services to the vulnerable poor.
