From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and addressing maternal and child mortality, the Nasarawa State government has successfully enrolled 218,000 residents including civil servants, orphans, and aged parents into its Health Insurance Scheme.
Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the State Commissioner for Health, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that the beneficiaries funded by the Nasarawa State government and private organizations, would receive quality healthcare services across various medical facilities in the state.
The Commissioner made the disclosure in Lafia on Wednesday at the close of a 2-day advocacy workshop on Healthcare, Education and Gender Inequality organised by the state’s Human Capital Development Agency in collaboration with the Africa Human Capital Development Plus.
Dr. Gwamna while reiterating the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare, added that, “The governor recently approved the upgrade of four general hospitals to enhance our capacity and to serve as referral centers in order to improve healthcare delivery in the state.”
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Human Capital Development Plus, Finda Koroma, commended the Nasarawa State government for its numerous programmes rolled out to support the less privileged people of the state.
She further assured of the Africa HCD Plus commitment to continue to give maximum support to the state’s Human Capital Development Agency in order to lift many residents of the state from poverty.
Koroma said, “I am really impressed by what is happening in Nasarawa State because they have taken the lead in establishing a stand-alone Human Capital Development Agency.
“They have indicators and targets to meet that is why we are here to work with them (Nasarawa HCD) in ensuring that through data analysis and management, through training and capacity building, they can meet their targets and indicators, so that the impact they are making will be greater.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director General of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Balarabe-Suleiman mentioned the six thematic areas of the state’s HCD Agency to include Health and Nutrition; Education; Labour Force Participation; Youth; Social Development; and Local Government Community Development.
While expressing gratitude to the Chairman of the Agency and Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe for his support in ensuring the success of the programme, the DG added that the objectives of the workshop were to address the complex issues surrounding Human Capital Development, navigate policy landscapes, engage diverse stakeholders, and promote inclusivity in development initiatives.
Daily Sun reports that the 2-day advocacy workshop, attended by stakeholders from all the 13 Local Government Areas, featured expert presentations, group exercises, open discussions, and other activities which would help in enhancing the Human Capital Development in the state.
