Pensioners to enjoy quality medical services without out-of-pocket expenses as state expands health insurance coverage
In a significant boost to senior citizens’ welfare, the Yobe State Government has approved the enrolment of all state and local government retirees into the Social Equity Programme of its health insurance scheme.
Dr Babagana Tijjani, Executive Secretary of the Yobe Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), announced the development on Tuesday in Damaturu, revealing that Governor Mai Mala Buni gave the approval following the agency’s recommendation.
The groundbreaking initiative aims to eliminate the financial burden of medical expenses for pensioners while guaranteeing access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services at YSCHMA-accredited health facilities across the state.
“This approval is another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents of the state,” Tijjani stated. “By bringing retirees under the social equity programme, the government is ensuring that senior citizens can access quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.”
The executive secretary described the move as a strategic alignment with the administration’s healthcare reform agenda and the state’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Tijjani assured that YSCHMA would collaborate closely with pension unions, relevant government institutions, and healthcare providers to ensure a transparent enrolment process and seamless service delivery for eligible beneficiaries.
The YSCHMA, established under Yobe State Law No. 7 of 2019, continues to champion equitable, affordable, and qualitative healthcare services for residents across the state.
