The governor of Kwara state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has signed the bill for the establishment of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency into law, he did this at the Government House, Ilorin. At the ceremony, he also announced that the state government has committed an initial N200M as take-off grant for the agency.
He said this action is aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage and for the overall development of the people of the state.
In addition to the take-off grant, the governor also disclosed that the scheme will be funded with one percent of the state’s consolidated revenue fund, grants from donor agencies like the World Bank and PharmAccess, premium to be paid by beneficiaries and other funds that may accrue to the Agency from time to time.
According to the governor, human capital development is the main reason for establishing the agency; he also noted that quality healthcare service and functional education are major components that his government is committed to.
Mandates of the agency includes the provision of qualitative, affordable and accessible healthcare delivery for all categories of people in the state.
The governor further said that the new law will leverage on the existing Community Health Insurance Scheme which covers 10 local government areas of the state to provide a state-wide health care service and will cater for separate categories of Kwaran indigenes and residents.
On sustainability, he expressed confidence that the agency will work beyond his administration and help improve overall healthcare service in the state.
