Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has approved free medical treatment for all retired state and local government workers in the state as part of efforts to improve healthcare access for senior citizens.
The initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden of medical care on retirees, many of whom face increasing health challenges after leaving active service.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Babagana Tijjani, disclosed the development during an interview, explaining that the first phase of the programme has already enrolled about 20,000 retirees across the state’s 17 local government areas.
According to Tijjani, the enrolment exercise is ongoing and forms part of the governor’s social welfare programme aimed at supporting vulnerable residents.
He said the approval allows all retired state and local government employees to receive medical treatment without making any financial contribution.
Tijjani also revealed that over the past seven years, the agency has enrolled about 45,000 state and local government workers into the formal sector health insurance scheme. Under the arrangement, workers contribute 1.75 percent of their monthly salaries, while the state government pays an additional 3.25 percent.
He noted, however, that only about 35,000 workers currently appear as active enrollees because many have retired, passed away, or exited the state civil service.
The agency’s executive secretary acknowledged that the growing number of beneficiaries has placed increased pressure on healthcare facilities across the state. Despite the challenge, he assured residents that the government is taking steps to strengthen healthcare services and improve the capacity of health facilities to meet rising demand.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing improvements would ensure beneficiaries continue to receive quality medical care under the state’s contributory healthcare programme.
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