In a significant stride toward universal health coverage, the Kogi State government has revealed that 220,495 citizens are now enrolled in its health insurance scheme.

This landmark achievement aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable across the state.

The information commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement signed in Lokoja on Wednesday.

Mr Fanwo said the scheme, driven by the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) under the leadership of Kunle Aledare, reflected Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the people.

He explained that the health insurance initiative enrolled not only civil servants and their dependents but also members of the public, aiming to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families.

“The health insurance scheme is inclusive and pro-poor. Students in tertiary institutions can access a full year of healthcare for as low as N2,000.

“Children under five, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups enjoy completely free coverage under the government’s BelloCare initiative.

“We are intensifying awareness campaigns to draw more residents, particularly those in the informal sector, into the insurance net,” he said.

According to Mr Fanwo, Kogi is currently ranked 14th nationwide in terms of the number of people enrolled in a state-managed health insurance scheme.

The commissioner urged corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to leverage the scheme by sponsoring the less privileged, stressing that improved healthcare access was collective responsibility.

He added that the state government was determined to leave no one behind in its push to improve healthcare across Kogi.

“This is because we are building a system where no citizen will be denied quality healthcare due to financial constraints.

“This is the essence of the governor’s people-first approach to governance,” he said.

Mr Fanwo encouraged families to enrol their loved ones, stressing that the initiative was not just a policy but a life-saving intervention that aligned with Ododo’s broader vision of a healthier and more productive population.

As the state consolidates its achievements in the health sector, the commissioner reaffirmed that the government would continue to work toward expanding coverage and improving service delivery.

He emphasised the commitment to ensuring that every Kogi citizen had access to quality medical care, regardless of social or economic status.

 “One of the areas we are excelling in the health sector is Health Insurance,” he said, describing the health insurance agency as one of the most effective and efficient in Nigeria today.

Mr Fanwo also commended the immediate former governor of the state for starting the scheme, which the present administration had since expanded.

(NAN)