The Yobe Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, says it would capture artisans and other low income earners under its Informal Sector Programme.
Dr Babagana Tijjani, the Agency’s Executive Secretary, disclosed this in Damaturu at a stakeholders’ meeting preparatory to the commencement of the programme on Thursday in Damaturu.
He listed the target beneficiaries of the programme to include associations of vulcanizers, mechanics, tailors, cattle breeders, farmers, market women, fashion designers, drivers and commercial motorcyclists.
Tijjani said details of the programme and its modalities would be decided in the meeting attended by complementing ministries, agencies and other stakeholders to fastrack enrolment of beneficiaries.
“One of the main reasons why the agency is planning to commence the informal sector programme is to increase access to affordable and qualitative healthcare for the population.
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“It will also support the state towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), targeting self-employed groups in the state,” the Executive Secretary said.
In his remarks, Dr Mohammad Gaba, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, noted that the programme was a top priority of Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s administration.
He therefore called on stakeholders in the healthcare sector to give the programme all the support and sense of seriousness it d for it to succeed.
“With the success of the informal sector programme, we can change the narratives in the health sector and make it the pride of everyone in the state”, he said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency is also operating a Social Equity Programme, Formal Sector Programme and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, jointly funded by the state and the Federal Government.
