The Yobe State Government has approved the enrolment of state and local government retirees into the Social Equity Programme of its health insurance scheme.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), Dr Babagana Tijjani, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Damaturu.
Tijjani said the approval was granted by Gov. Mai Mala Buni following a recommendation from the agency.
He said the initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses among pensioners and enhance their access to comprehensive and quality healthcare services at YSCHMA-accredited facilities.
According to him, the approval underscores the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees and ensuring that senior citizens continue to enjoy quality healthcare after active service.
“This approval is another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents of the state. 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 inclusion of retirees in the scheme aligns with the administration’s healthcare reform agenda and the state’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
He described the development as a significant step in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening social protection.
Tijjani commended the governor for approving the initiative and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its effective implementation.
He said the YSCHMA would work closely with pension unions, relevant government institutions and healthcare providers to ensure a transparent enrolment process and seamless access to healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries.
The YSCHMA was established under Yobe State Law No. 7 of 2019 to implement the state’s contributory healthcare scheme and promote equitable, affordable and quality healthcare services for residents.
