The Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth) says it is targeting 25 per cent of the population in the state for universal health overage by 2026.

The state Commissioner for Health, Habu Dahiru, stated this on the sidelines of a meeting with commercial tricycle operators on Saturday in Gombe.

He reiterated the government’s commitment towards achieving universal health coverage for its citizens, adding that contributory healthcare provided citizens with access to healthcare services.

Mr Dahiru noted that with more residents of the state subscribing to GoHealth, it would be easy for them to enjoy the quality and affordable healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.

The commissioner said GoHealth remained the best option for health service seekers given the success recorded with the existing enrollees.

“With N10,000 per person, a tricycle rider can enrol and access health services like consultation and investigation while paying only 10 per cent of the cost of a prescription,” he said.

According to Mr Dahiru, the state government has enrolled at least 100,000 vulnerable persons in the scheme.

He said the approach must be all-inclusive for the state to achieve UHC coverage, hence the enrollment of tricycle and motorcycle riders, farmers and artisans.

He noted that by prioritising the formal and informal sectors and the poorest and vulnerable who could not afford the premium, the government had taken the right step towards achieving UHC.

On his part, Umar Istifanus, community engagement officer, GoHealth, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for according GoHealth the needed legislative backing to ensure sustainability while removing the financial barrier stopping citizens from accessing quality services.

Also, Mohammed Abdullahi, chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association in the state, lauded the governor for his health initiative, describing it as “a welcome development”.

(NAN)