Interview by Suleiman Abubakar
In this exclusive interview, the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA), Dr. Yahaya Bawa Ubam, MBBS, Fellow of the African College of Surgeons, shares insights into the progress and challenges of the health insurance program in Nasarawa State.
Before his current role, Dr. Ubam retired from the Federal Medical Center, Keffi, and assumed office as Executive Secretary of NASHIA in November 2023.
Dr. Ubam and his team are working tirelessly to meet the targets set by Governor Abdullahi Sule, who is a strong supporter of the program. He commended Governor Sule for ensuring that their requests are promptly addressed, enabling effective operations.
Reflecting on his leadership at the agency, Dr. Ubam stated, “We are doing our best, and when you go around the state, people will testify to how the insurance program has benefited them.
” He emphasized that the objective of the program is to provide the people with access to quality and affordable healthcare without out-of-pocket expenses.
The Executive Secretary further revealed that their aim is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.
"When people seek healthcare, they should not have to dip into their pockets," he said.
He added that once registered with the agency, individuals can go to the healthcare facility of their choice, present their ID card, and receive medication. "It’s very simple.
However, you need to pay a small premium, which is a nominal amount that goes into the agency's coffers. Whether you’re rich, poor, or a child, irrespective of your status, you are covered."
So far, the agency has enrolled over 260,000 individuals, and they aim to reach 500,000 enrollees by 2027.
Challenges and Plans for Expansion
Dr. Ubam acknowledged that with every success story, there are challenges.
One major challenge facing the agency is the rising cost of drugs and consumables.
To tackle this, the agency has partnered with the Nasarawa State Drugs Management Agency to ensure that facilities receive the necessary drugs and settle their bills.
"As I speak, the prices of drugs and consumables keep rising, and we are taking steps to address this challenge to face the reality on the ground."
Another challenge involves enrolling individuals from the informal sector, such as market women, farmers, tailors, mechanics, electricians, and welders. "Getting people in the informal sector to register is difficult, and only a few have enrolled so far," Dr. Ubam noted.
To address this, the agency is working 24/7, utilizing traditional rulers, religious leaders, and professional groups to achieve its goals.
Efforts to Improve Healthcare Access
Regarding challenges enrollees face at some healthcare facilities, Dr. Ubam stated that NASHIA has several programs, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, a federal initiative, and the state government's Equity Fund, both of which provide financial support for vulnerable groups. For the formal sector, civil servants' salaries are deducted at the source to fund their health coverage.
Dr. Ubam explained that the agency is committed to monitoring healthcare facilities to ensure quality care. "We are supposed to visit each registered facility at least once a year to assess the quality of care and services.
We conduct random sampling and visit 25 facilities each quarter, ensuring we cover all the facilities by the end of the year.
" He further mentioned that facilities found to have deficiencies could be visited more frequently to improve their standards.
NASHIA currently has about 226 health facilities across the state. Dr. Ubam also highlighted the need for more vehicles to help the agency mobilize and reach people who have exited the program for one reason or another. "We need adequate mobility to carry out these important exercises.
