In a significant stride towards inclusive healthcare, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has unveiled plans to enroll more persons with disabilities into the state’s health insurance scheme, popularly known as the Bello Care Programme. This initiative represents the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that vulnerable groups have access to quality healthcare services in the state.
The announcement was made by Dr. Adekunle Aledare, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), during an interactive session with the leadership of the Office for Persons Living with Disability Affairs (KOSIDA) held at the agency’s headquarters in Lokoja. Dr. Aledare emphasized that the state government remains dedicated to reducing both the financial burdens and physical challenges experienced by persons with disabilities, especially in these trying times.
“We understand the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare services,” Dr. Aledare stated. “That is why the state government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is renewing its efforts to ensure that more persons with disabilities are enrolled into the Bello Care health insurance programme, ensuring they receive the medical attention they deserve.”
Dr. Aledare highlighted that numerous persons with disabilities have already benefited from the Bello Care Programme across the three senatorial districts in Kogi State. With this latest initiative, the state aims to expand coverage to even more individuals in October, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.
He commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of Kogi’s vulnerable citizens. “The decision to renew the Bello Care Programme to cover a new set of vulnerable persons is a testament to the governor’s genuine concern for all residents of Kogi State,” Dr. Aledare remarked.
Fostering Collaboration and Support
Earlier in the session, the Executive Secretary of the Office for Persons Living with Disability Affairs (KOSIDA), Mallam Abdulhakeem Isah, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and collaborative support provided by the health insurance agency. He acknowledged that the partnership between KOSIDA and KGSHIA has been instrumental in addressing the healthcare needs of persons with disabilities in Kogi State.
Mallam Isah made a passionate appeal to KGSHIA to appoint a focal desk officer dedicated to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. “Having a desk officer who understands our unique challenges will significantly improve our access to the health insurance agency,” he stated. “It will also foster more effective communication and collaboration, ensuring that our members receive the assistance they need.”
He further called on the Ministry of Health and the state health insurance agency to consider members of the disability community for employment opportunities, emphasizing that such opportunities would go a long way in empowering individuals with disabilities. “Employment is not just about income; it’s about dignity, self-worth, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” Mallam Isah added. “We believe that our members possess valuable skills and talents that can greatly benefit the healthcare sector.”
Government’s Commitment to Inclusive Healthcare
Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to creating a more inclusive society, where every citizen has equal access to essential services. The expansion of the Bello Care Programme is one of many initiatives aimed at providing accessible and quality healthcare for all Kogites, regardless of their physical abilities.
“This move reaffirms the Kogi State government’s dedication to ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the quest for quality healthcare,” Dr. Aledare concluded. “We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to build a healthcare system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every resident.”
The interactive session also saw discussions on future collaborations, with both KGSHIA and KOSIDA agreeing to explore additional ways to improve healthcare access for persons with disabilities. The Bello Care Programme, which has been lauded for its effectiveness in providing healthcare to vulnerable groups, is expected to become even more impactful with this expanded enrollment drive.
Looking Ahead
With the ongoing efforts to expand healthcare coverage and the proactive approach by both the government and disability advocacy groups, Kogi State is taking a bold step towards a future where healthcare is accessible to all. This initiative sets a precedent for other states to follow, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and equity in healthcare delivery.
The expansion of the Bello Care Programme signifies more than just an increase in numbers; it represents hope, empowerment, and a brighter future for persons with disabilities in Kogi State. As October approaches, expectations are high, and the beneficiaries eagerly await the fulfillment of this promise.
The commitment to accessible and qualitative healthcare for civil servants, their dependents, and persons with disabilities in Kogi State continues to stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when governments prioritize the well-being of their most vulnerable citizens.
