Tambuwal Launches Health Scheme with N100m

Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor,  Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday launched the Community Contributory Health Scheme with a seed fund of N100 million in the state.

 Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Sokoto, Tambuwal described the take off of the scheme as one of the most important interventions of his administration in the healthcare sector.

He said government had set aside the seed fund for the commencement of the scheme which will ensure the implementation of the universal health coverage through contributions from various stakeholders.

According to him, the scheme is an important policy whose impact will positively be felt on the lives of the people.

“It will also protect families from the financial hardship of huge medical bills and limit the inflationary rise in the cost of healthcare services in all parts of the state.
“Apart from ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare costs across different income groups, this scheme will improve and harness private sector participation in the provision of healthcare services in Sokoto,” the Governor stated.

In a remark , Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, dispelled the notion that Islam is against contributory health scheme, saying the religion encourages members of the society to help one another at all times.

The state commissioner of health, Dr. Kakale Balarabe Shuni, said the new policy would ensure that all residents of Sokoto have access to effective, quality and affordable healthcare services.
“It will facilitate training of human resource development and ensure availability of alternative source of funding to the health sector for improved service,” he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof.  Usman Yusuff said the benefit of this policy will be felt for generations to come.