Gombe State has launched the registration and distribution of identity cards to 1,000 Almajiri students as part of the Gombe State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (GoHealth).
Speaking on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau highlighted the administration’s commitment to providing healthcare for vulnerable groups like the Almajiris, who are particularly susceptible to communicable diseases due to their lifestyle.
With these GoHealth identity cards, the Almajiris can now access healthcare services funded through the Equity Fund at registered health facilities.
Dr. Jatau emphasized that this initiative aims to reduce illness and prevent epidemics, benefiting the entire society by preventing the spread of diseases.
The GoHealth Scheme, introduced by Governor Yahaya, aims to provide access to healthcare for the vulnerable and less privileged, who might otherwise struggle to afford medical services.
Dr. Jatau called on donor agencies, philanthropists, and o
thers in society to support the programme to extend its benefits to more vulnerable people.
The Executive Secretary of GoHealth, Dr. Abubakar Musa, noted that the enrolment of Almajiris was made possible by the release of state funds and the Equity Fund, which will also enable the enrolment of an additional 15,000 vulnerable individuals.
He said, ‘The initiative was starting with Almajiri groups, to be followed by orphans, with plans to reach more vulnerable people across the state.’
Dr. Musa also mentioned that the scheme has enrolled about 53,000 people in Gombe State under the Federal Government’s Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, with further enrolments planned with support from UNICEF and WHO. The scheme aims to reach 100,000 vulnerable people in the state, offering them comprehensive healthcare services.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru and Commissioner of Education Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari also emphasized the importance of this initiative, particularly in preventing disease outbreaks and
supporting the education and health of Almajiri children.
The Commissioner of Education said the integration of healthcare with educational initiatives is expected to improve school retention, transition, and completion rates.
The programme is expected to significantly reduce illness rates and improve public health across the state.
Source: Voice of Nigeria