FCTA commences health insurance scheme in 300 communities

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced the implementation of its Community Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS) in 300 communities of the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, the honourable minister of State for FCT, has disclosed.

The minister, who made this known at a top-level advocacy on the health insurance scheme at the Emir of Karshi’s Palace, said the scheme would improve access of FCT residents to quality and affordable health-care.

“The implementation of the Community Based Health Insurance Scheme in 300 communities of the FCT signifies the fulfillment of a dream. The need for a health scheme that will guarantee affordability, quality and access to a greater number of the people has been a priority for this Administration.

“The FCT Initiative is a collaborative effort between the FCT Administration, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the six Area Councils and is aimed at taking the scheme to every community in FCT, starting with 300 communities,” said Akinjide, who was represented by Yusuf Tsaiyabu, her senior special assistant on Area Council and Resettlement.

She added that 10,000 households had shown interest in the pilot scheme, which covered 50 communities each from the six Area Councils.

The Minister reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration in reducing maternal and child mortality rates, combating HIV/AIDS, especially mother-to-child transmission of the virus as well as rolling back malaria and improving immunity against tuberculosis.

“The FCT Administration is still concerned over the wide disparities in health and health services between FCT’s rural and urban areas. This situation results from the challenges of access to health centres, low capacity and scarcity of funds coupled with the difficult terrains of some communities. There is also the issue of low purchasing power among rural households.

“It is for this reason that the FCT Administration is driving the Community Based Health Insurance Scheme into the rural areas. This is a social security system that guarantees the provision of needed health services to its beneficiaries on the payment of token contributions of N150 monthly,” she added.

Akinjide appealed to traditional rulers and residents in the territory to support the FCT Administration in its drive to improve the lives of the people.