The Niger State Contributory Health Insurance Agency (NiCare) recently held an interactive session with members of the informal sector to raise awareness about the benefits of the contributory health insurance scheme.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NiCare, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, the Director of Administration, Ramatu Ismael Aliyu, emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerlites, especially those at the grassroots, have access to stress-free and affordable healthcare.
Aliyu highlighted that NiCare has been actively visiting communities across various local government areas to educate residents about the scheme. The agency recognized the need to engage market women, Keke NAPEP riders, mechanics, and other informal sector workers to ensure they understand how the scheme operates.
The scheme aims to foster a community where the healthy support the sick and the wealthy assist the less privileged. With a registration fee of just N12,000, participants can access medical services worth over N100,000. Aliyu urged members of the informal sector to take advantage of this opportunity.
Dr. Fabong Jemchang, a consultant for the health insurance scheme, delivered a lecture on its importance and benefits. He assured attendees that NiCare is a reliable, legally-backed scheme designed to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare through principles of harmony, risk-sharing, and resource pooling.
Dr. Jemchang emphasized that the scheme allows everyone in the state to contribute a small amount and receive quality healthcare without paying at the point of need. He noted that healthcare is a fundamental human right and that a healthy population contributes to the state’s economic development.
He also mentioned that the scheme is operational in all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, and praised Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for his support and new initiatives to sustain the scheme.
Hajiya Habibah Umar, head of the informal sector at NiCare, explained that the agency was established to reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare. She clarified that registration is annual, but there is no limit to the number of services an enrollee can receive within the year.
Umar encouraged informal sector members to enroll in the scheme, highlighting its affordability and the quality healthcare it provides.
The session included contributions and questions from the informal sector members present, fostering a productive dialogue about the scheme’s benefits and operations.