ASCHMA Says over 20,000 civil servants enrolled in the scheme

By Atanga Philip

The Head of Planning, Adamawa State Contributory Health Management Agency, ASCHMA, Jacob Ezra Kigama has said that so far the number of principal enrollees in the state civil service of the scheme stands at twenty five thousand two hundred and seventy five.

He gave the indication in an interview against the backdrop of the just concluded workshop for five to ten years strategic plan organized by ASCHMA in Gombe state.

Ezra Kaigama who announced plan by the scheme to enroll local government employees and student disclosed that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has graciously offset the payment of some category of persons.

They include Persons with disabilities, pregnant women and  children under five years of age.

He maintained that the figure of the state civil servants enrolled in the scheme fluctuates, occasioned by the recurring incidence of retirement.

Doctor Kaigama revealed that at the onset of the programme, twenty nine thousand nine hundred and sixty five adding that those currently in the payroll stands at twenty five thousand seven hundred and forty.

He attributed the reduction in the number of the earlier enrollees to retirement.

In his address, the representative of the standing committee on health, Adamawa state house of Assembly, Harumi Tikki pledged the house continued support.

Speaking, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Adamawa State Comrade Emmanuel Fashe said that the union is committed to addressing irregularities and challenges arising from the state Contributory Health Management Scheme.

He was represented by the Vice, Chairman, Medical and Health Workers Union Adamawa State Council, Comrade Usman Babbada

Comrade Fashe who called on members to be supportive of the congress, assured them that they will do everything humanly possible to protect and promote their welfare.

On his part, Managing Director, Bit by Technology Yola, Mr Gabriel Moju Mshelia opined that the training workshop could disabuse the minds of the people nurturing a thought that civil service is inefficient.

Mshelia who rated the workshop high commended the ASCHMA for championing the course of the training urging Adamawa residents to key into the scheme.

In her submission, Coordinator of a Non-Governmental Organization, Centre for Social Justice Abuja; and member of Women and Youths Empowerment for Advancement and Health Initiative, Aishatu Margima sued for massive enrollment by the people to help the poorest of the poor.

Margina expressed the hope for the sustenance of the scheme considering the participation of relevant health personnel, Civil Society Organization, Union Leaders and Government representatives.

Corroborating, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association,NMA, Adamawa state chapter Doctor Solomon Bulus said the association will continue to strengthen ties with ASCHMA to facilitate for the promotion of people’s health.

While expressing commitment to collaborate with relevant bodies and assist where necessary in ensuring a healthy society.