By Bukola Adama
The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed on Tuesday signed into law the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency Bill.
Signing the bill, Ahmed stated that the scheme is an expression of his administration’s commitment to drive healthcare service which is functional to human capital development.
He further explained that the Kwara Health Insurance Agency Bill is designed to cover all residents, especially the financially challenged.
According to him, the state has seen the success and efficacy of the community Health Insurance Scheme by the immediate past administration hence his decision to adopt and fine tune it to a state-wide programme for universal coverage.
He disclosed that the state will support the scheme with an initial sum of N200 million and also expect grants from donors and other agencies as encapsulated in the law.
This, he said will translate to pool of funds that will be used to drive availability and accessibility to support payment of premium.
Governor Ahmed stated that modalities had been put in place for the sustainability of the scheme, beyond the present administration.
He therefore, charged Kwara residents to take advantage of healthcare service delivery while also pledging the commitment of his administration to make the state second to none in health care delivery service.
He expressed appreciation to the state House of Assembly and other stakeholders for their efforts in getting the bill to fruition.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the signing of the Bill, the General Manager, Kwara Health Management Board, Dr. (Mrs) Bunmi Jetawo Winter said the state is working with international agencies like the World Bank and Pharm Access to provide technical assistance towards the implementation of the project.
She added that the committee will also embark on advocacy and address people’s over the scheme before implementation.
Mrs Jetawo added that premium will be based on percentage of the basic salary of both formal and informal sector.
The event was witnessed by the representative of the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad and members of the State Executive Council.
