By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Yobe State Government has approved the enrolment of state and local government retirees into the Social Equity Programme under its health insurance scheme.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Babagana Tijjani, announced the approval in a statement issued on Tuesday in Damaturu.
Tijjani said Governor Mai Mala Buni approved the initiative following the agency’s recommendation to improve healthcare access for pensioners.
He said the programme would reduce retirees’ out-of-pocket medical expenses and give them access to quality healthcare services at accredited health facilities across the state.
According to Tijjani, the approval reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees and ensuring they continue to receive quality healthcare after leaving active service.
“This approval is another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents.
“By bringing retirees under the Social Equity Programme, the government is ensuring that senior citizens can access quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship,” he said.
Tijjani added that the initiative supports the state’s healthcare reform agenda and its goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
He described the programme as a major step towards expanding healthcare access and strengthening social protection for retirees.
The agency said it would work with pension unions, government institutions and healthcare providers to ensure a smooth enrolment process and seamless access to healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries.
The Yobe Contributory Healthcare Management Agency was established under Yobe State Law No. 7 of 2019 to implement the state’s contributory healthcare scheme and promote affordable, equitable and quality healthcare for residents.
