… sustains GIFSHIP sensitization in Edo, environs
The Ag State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Edo State, Ehannire Theodore Osas, paid a courtesy visit to The Nigerian Observer as part of his collaborative efforts, especially in marketing the Group, Individual, Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP) through the media.
Ehannire posited that the NHIA wants to let people know that there is a working health insurance scheme in Edo State, and categorically stated that the NHIA represents the federal, while the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS) is the state’s insurance scheme, both working together with the aim of achieving universal health coverage.
Also, during the mop-up exercise carried out at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Mr. Osas engaged the Chief Medical Director of ISTH, Professor Reuben A. Eifediyi, and his management as part of the collaborative efforts to strengthen the relationship between NHIA and ISTH.
One of the outcomes of the meeting was that an agreement was reached to incorporate ISTH retirees under the Group, Individual, and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP).
In continuation of his familiarization visit to critical stakeholders in the state, the ag, state coordinator of NHIA also paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Edo State chapter in Benin City. The meeting was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the NHIA and the media, especially in the area of deepening awareness of NHIA programmes to the public.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Osas used the opportunity to sensitize members of the Union on NHIA’s flagship programme; The Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP) designed to expand social health coverage to the Informal Sector of the population.
The programme, part of the many reforms of the Director General of NHIA, Professor M.N. Sambo, has received significant buy-in across the nation since its official launch. Sambo stated that the programme presents the prospect of driving the nation’s health sector toward attaining Universal Health Coverage in no distant time.
Receiving the NHIA team on behalf of the Union, the NUJ Chairman, Mr. Alenkhe Festus, thanked the ag. coordinator for the visit and promised to work with the NHIA State Office in helping to transmit the message of health insurance to the good people of Edo State.
On another visit, the NHIA team was live on KU FM (92.7), as part of its collaboration with media stakeholders. He used the opportunity to further talk about the GIFSHIP package to Edolites.
The NHIA has continued to build bridges with critical stakeholders in the state towards the full implementation of mandatory Health Insurance in Nigeria as provided in the new National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.
The Act, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on 19th May 2022, provides for mandatory health insurance for every Nigerian and legal resident in the country. Specifically, the Act puts on the shoulders of NHIA to promote, regulate and integrate all Health Insurance Schemes in Nigeria to drive the nation’s health sector towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.
During a courtesy call on the new Corp Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Edo State command, Corp Commander, Okpe Paul, the ag. coordinator of Edo NHIA stated that such collaboration was necessary, especially at a time when the Authority was working assiduously to expand coverage to the informal sector of the Nigerian population.
Furthermore, as part of the ongoing sensitization and awareness campaign, the NHIA ag. coordinator and his team paid a visit to the Orientation Camp of the NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) at Okada, using the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the newly deployed State Coordinator of the NYSC Edo State Mrs. Oladeyinde. Highlights of the lecture were on the need for GIFSHIP-N, eligibility to cover, what is required of Corps Members, and the benefit package, among others.
He and his team also led members of the gateway/stakeholders on a critical engagement session at the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) gateway forum, which includes the Edo State Social Health Insurance Agency (EDHIC), the Edo State Primary Health Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Edo State, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Edo State branch. The sensitization continues across the state and nation.
