By Mohammed Abubakar,
Damaturu
The newly established Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Agency has commenced operations to provide accessible and affordable healthcare delivery and curb medical tourism.
Dr Babagana Tijjani, the executive secretary of the agency, stated this in Damaturu.
He explained that the agency was the first to take off in the North East, five months after its passage into law.
Babagana said that the state and local government councils were contributing 3.25 per cent of the 61,000 workforce salaries, while the employees will contribute 1.75 per cent of their salaries.
According to the executive secretary, the benefits of the scheme include coverage of all minor and major surgical operations, hospitalization in secondary health facilities, investigations and immunization among others.
“It promotes equity programme to pregnant women and children below the age of five, the aged and vulnerable persons to access efficient healthcare services
He said that the scheme would support health facilities across the state to provide adequate and efficient healthcare services. “The scheme provides additional source of funding to health facilities across the state promoting efficiency in service” Babagana said.
