Include sickle cell patients in contributory health scheme, stakeholders urge Gombe government

Some healthcare stakeholders have urged the Gombe State Government to enroll sickle cell patients in the Gombe State Contributory Health Agency tagged ‘Go-Health’.

They made the call on Wednesday in Gombe during a one-day stakeholders engagement and dialogue organised by Rural Health Mission – a Non-Governmental Organisation in commemoration of the 2021 Universal Health Coverage. 

They noted that including sickle cell clients as beneficiaries in the Go-Health scheme will help enhance sickle cell management in the state.

According to them, the enrolment of sickle cell clients in the scheme would go a long way in assisting them to get their drugs at affordable prices.

The stakeholders commended the state for the introduction of the Go-Health programme and urged the to redouble efforts toward effective financing of health care services. 

Speaking at the event, Mohammed Adamu, Programme Manager, Rural Health Mission Nigeria, said that the meeting was to provide a friendly platform for policymakers and civil society organisations.

The meeting, he stated further, would also help to identify opportunities for advocacy and collaboration to advance Universal Health Coverage toward achieving SDGs 2030 in Gombe state and the country at large.

He said the meeting would equally help identify critical challenges and urgent steps to improve Universal Health Coverage in the state.

Also speaking at the meeting, Dr. Musa Yahaya, the Executive Secretary, Go-Health, said the agency was created to assist the public in accessing affordable health care.

The Agency, he said, would also register people from the informal sector apart from those that were already registered from the formal sector.

Also speaking, Mohammed Magaji, the Commissioner of Finance, who was represented by Malam Yusuf Kwami, a staff of the Ministry said, plans are underway to release counterparts funding for various health projects in the state.

In his remarks, Dr. Isiayaku Mohammed, Special Adviser on Budget Planning and Donor Agencies promised stronger synergy with donor agencies working in the sector.

By Chima Azubuike

https://healthwise.punchng.com/include-sickle-cell-patients-in-contributory-health-scheme-stakeholders-urge-gombe-government/