The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) on Wednesday intensified efforts to expand health insurance coverage by taking its enrollment campaign to traders and artisans at the Lokoja International Market.
The Executive Secretary of KGSHIA, Dr Adekunle Aledare, stated that the initiative was part of the agency’s objective to extend affordable healthcare to the informal sector, which accounts for more than 95 percent of the state’s population.
Aledare declared that the agency is committed to implementing the governor’s directive to ensure every resident of the state has access to health insurance through the Vital Contributory Plan.
According to him, the plan allows individuals in the informal sector to access healthcare services at accredited primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities across the state for N15,000 annually.
He noted that beneficiaries could receive treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, hypertension and diabetes, as well as maternal and child healthcare, surgeries, routine medical check-ups and referrals where necessary.
Aledare emphasised that the programme is not limited to Lokoja but would be extended to all the 21 local government areas and 239 wards in the state.
He disclosed that although the agency had enrolled more than 245,000 residents, a large proportion of the state’s population remained uncovered largely due to low public awareness.
According to him, the market free medical check up and treatment became necessary because media campaigns alone were insufficient to drive enrollment, making direct engagement with the people essential.
He further urged artisans, traders and other residents to enrol individually and also register their family members to enable more households to benefit from affordable healthcare services.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livelihood, Mrs Miriam Usman, commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for reaching out to the masses through the agency and for extending the health insurance scheme to artisans and other informal sector workers.
She encouraged residents to take advantage of the affordable scheme, describing it as a major step towards improving access to quality healthcare.
The Consultant to Lokoja International Market, Adams Babangida, pointed out that the Lokoja International Market was strategically selected because it serves as the commercial hub where traders, artisans and other residents converge daily.
He commended Gov. Ododo for prioritising the welfare of the people through policies aimed at making quality healthcare accessible to all.
