The Kogi State Government has announced the enrollment of 167,000 individuals in its health insurance scheme, marking a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.
The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, Adekunle Aledare, on Monday in Lokoja, shortly after presenting the agency’s 2025 budget.
Ambitious Expansion Plans for 2025
Aledare revealed that the agency aims to enroll an additional 150,000 residents in 2025. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare without imposing financial burdens on the people of Kogi State.
“We have the mandate to ensure that all residents of Kogi State have access to quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship while accessing those services,” Aledare stated.
Advocacy for Health Insurance
He urged Kogi residents to embrace health insurance as a sustainable solution for achieving UHC, highlighting its role in shielding citizens from the financial strain of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
“With health insurance, the people’s health is assured. We are prepared to ensure that the people of Kogi State have access to good health services without suffering financial hardship. Nobody deserves to be pushed into extreme poverty after an episode of payment for hospital expenditure,” he noted.
The Benefits of Prepayment Mechanisms
Aledare emphasized the importance of prepayment mechanisms, such as health insurance, in securing financial protection and improving the quality of life for citizens.
“This system ensures financial peace of mind and protects individuals from falling into poverty due to healthcare costs. Health insurance is not just a necessity but a pathway to achieving a better and healthier life for all,” he added.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
The Kogi State Government’s efforts underscore its dedication to addressing healthcare challenges and improving the well-being of its residents. By expanding enrollment in the health insurance scheme, the state is poised to make significant strides in achieving Universal Health Coverage.