A call to Bauchi State Gov for advancing healthcare through the NHIS in Bauchi under the NHIA, by Muhammad Ahmad Yaya Misau
A strategic step toward achieving equitable healthcare delivery is the establishment of a well-structured National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) tailored to serve State and Local Government (LGs) workers using state-owned medical facilities. For the scheme to be efficient and effective, it is crucial to upgrade one hospital per local government to ensure the facilities meet the NHIA requirements.
Bauchi State should tailor its NHIS model to reflect the unique needs. The State Government should liaise with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to provide a structured system where the waiver for the tailored programme will be established. A system for the enrolees to choose only from a registered state-owned health facility,
The state government can generate revenue through service provision under the NHIS framework. By ensuring efficient service delivery in state-owned facilities, the government can recoup funds through health insurance claims, reducing dependency on external funding while improving healthcare sustainability.
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The monthly deductions from workers’ salaries are sufficient to cover the annual subscription of NHIS premiums. By properly managing these funds, the state government can ensure continuous healthcare coverage for all enrolled workers without financial strain on the system. The state government, upon arranging for the amount of the annual premiums, will be forwarding the same to the NHIA every month to pay the premiums. This structured approach will ensure timely disbursement of funds and uninterrupted healthcare coverage for the workforce.
To ensure effective coordination, the NHIA desk office must be established. This office will oversee the entire process in liaison with the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency (BASHCMA), which serves as the State Social Health Insurance Agency. This structure will enhance policy implementation, monitoring, and seamless collaboration between state and federal health insurance authorities and the Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).
A major challenge in health insurance adoption is public awareness. The government should embark on a robust sensitisation campaign, educating workers on the benefits of NHIS and how to enrol. Leveraging traditional and digital media, town hall meetings, and workplace seminars will enhance participation and acceptance.
Governor Bala Mohammed, implementing an NHIS policy that leverages state-owned healthcare facilities for the benefit of state and LG workers, will be a transformative step toward achieving universal health coverage in Bauchi State. By adopting a structured, phased, and transparent approach, your administration can set a precedent for sustainable healthcare reforms. Prioritising this initiative will not only enhance healthcare accessibility but also boost productivity among the workforce, ultimately fostering economic growth and social well-being.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and welfare of Bauchi State citizens. I look forward to seeing impactful progress in the state’s healthcare system.
Muhammad Ahmad Yaya Misau is a Policy Analyst, Public Affairs Commentator, and Advocate for Good Governance based in Bauchi. Can be reached on 08036291459
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