Lokoja: In a significant stride toward universal health coverage, the Kogi State Government has revealed that 220,495 citizens are now enrolled in its Health Insurance Scheme. This landmark achievement aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable across the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Information Commissioner, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the scheme, driven by the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) under the leadership of Dr. Kunle Aledare, reflects Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration’s commitment to the health and well-being of the people. The initiative not only includes civil servants and their dependents but also members of the public, aiming to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families.
Fanwo highlighted that the health insurance scheme is inclusive, allowing students in tertiary institutions to access a full year of healthcare for as low as N2,000. Children under five, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups enjoy completely free coverage under the government’s BelloCare initiative. Efforts are being intensified to raise awareness and encourage more residents, particularly those in the informal sector, to join the insurance net.
Kogi is currently ranked 14th nationwide in terms of the number of people enrolled in a state-managed health insurance scheme. The commissioner urged corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to sponsor the less privileged, emphasizing that improved healthcare access is a collective responsibility. The state government is determined to ensure that no one is left behind in its push to improve healthcare across Kogi.
Fanwo encouraged families to enrol their loved ones, emphasizing that the initiative is not just a policy but a life-saving intervention aligning with Ododo’s broader vision of a healthier and more productive population. As the state consolidates its achievements in the health sector, the government continues to work toward expanding coverage and improving service delivery, ensuring every Kogi citizen has access to quality medical care.
Fanwo described the health insurance agency as one of the most effective and efficient in Nigeria today, praising the immediate former Governor of the state for initiating the scheme, which the present administration has since expanded.
