NIGER BEGINS SENSITISATION FOR WIDER NHIS COVERAGE

By NBF News

The commissioner of Health and Hospital Services, Dr Ibrahim Babaminin Sule, stated this yesterday in Minna at an interactive session of NHIS providers and enrollees of the federal government in the North Central Zone.

He said that, 'government appreciates the benefit and is keen to extend the benefits of NHIS to the people of Niger State as well'.

According to him, it was the resolution of the state government that the benefits of NHIS should reach the grass roots adding that, 'this is why we introduced MDG/NHIS in 2008 which would soon receive further boost with payment of counterpart contribution'.

The commissioner however called on NHIS to increase coverage by improving on sensitisation and advocacy  on Voluntary Contributors Social Health  Insurance Programme (VCSHIP) adding that  the package should be for family not individuals.

Earlier, the North Central Coordinator of NHIS, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Onimajesin, said the interactive session was to update stakeholders on the new developments in the scheme.