Niger State Sets Fund To Support Poor, Vulnerable Groups

The Niger State government has set aside equity funds from the Consolidated Revenue in the 2022 Budget appropriation to take care of the poor and vulnerable groups in the state.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed this on Wednesday at the launching of the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme in Minna.

The Governor said the state took interest in introducing Nicare to protect families and households from expensive expenditures in seeking the much-needed healthcare services.

According to him, "Niger State Contributory Health Scheme was conceptualized as a vehicle for ensuring that all residents of the State, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, enjoy access to quality healthcare services without suffering undue financial hardship."

 The Governor added that the Nicare is for both the formal and informal sectors which would be made compulsory for all residents.

He commended the various stakeholders that contributed to the success of the establishment and the development of the health sector.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Makusidi explained that the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme is a healthcare financing reform that would operate on the principles of harmony, 

Makusidi maintained that the scheme is to assist in risk-sharing and pooling of resources for the provision of affordable, accessible and qualitative healthcare to all Nigerlites on a sustainable basis.

The health executives stated that high maternity and child mortality among others were the reasons for the scheme in the state.