Borno Gov’t Enrols 97,747 Vulnerable People, Disburses N1.2b in 2024

By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri

The Borno State government, through the State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA), has enrolled a total number of 97,747 vulnerable people under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), which enhances quality access to health services delivery in 2024.

Speaking, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Abbah Saleh-Kaza, revealed this when he delivered a detailed address on the agency’s annual performance review meeting held in Maiduguri on Monday.

According to him, Saleh disclosed that over N1.2 billion was equally disbursed to 213 secondary and primary healthcare facilities in three years, noting this marks milestones in the history of the health sector of the state.

“Out of the total enrolment, we have over 22,000 pregnant women and 14,000 children who are benefiting from this scheme. Reducing maternal mortality is a priority for us, and we continue to focus on providing quality healthcare to mothers and children in the state.

He added, “In 2024 alone, the state allocated 699 million Naira for capitation to primary healthcare centres. Since the inception of the BHCPF, we have consistently paid capitation on time, even in the absence of federal government funds,” Saleh said.

Dr. Saleh also discussed the significant impact of the BHCPF in improving primary healthcare facilities, stating that the agency had successfully provided over 1.2 billion Naira in capitation payments over the past three years.

He maintained that maternal and child health remained a critical focus, noting that over 50% of the 97,000 enrollees were pregnant women and children.

He also noted the socio-economic challenges of Borno State, which has a poverty rate of over 72%, with many residents living below the poverty line.

He called for more resources to ensure broader coverage and accessibility of healthcare services to the state’s most vulnerable populations.

“Our state remains one of the most impoverished in Nigeria, and we must do more to ensure that everyone, especially the poor and vulnerable, has access to quality healthcare,” he said. “This is not just a healthcare issue; it is a humanitarian one.”

Also speaking, Secretary NHIA, Ahmed Jamal, praised Bochuma’s impressive coverage, noting it had achieved almost 97% of its goals.

He emphasised the critical role of state government involvement in the success of the healthcare program.

He urged all stakeholders to push for greater state government participation to ensure universal health coverage.

State Lead Lafiya UK, Bukar Largema, reflected on the improvements made since last year’s performance review, particularly the increase in beneficiaries of the health scheme.

He noted Bochuma’s crucial role in providing financial protection for vulnerable populations, aligning with WHO’s health financing goals.