YSCHMA Revamps Healthcare Services In Yobe, Sets Sight On Universal Health Coverage

In a bold move to revamp healthcare services in Yobe State, the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA) convened a one-day review and harmonization meeting with key stakeholders. The meeting, held at Doctor’s House in Damaturu, aimed to validate and agree on reviewed Capitation, Fee-For-Service Tariffs, and Drugs Prices.

Chaired by Dr. Musa Sarki, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics of the Ministry, and co-chaired by Dr. Baba Gana Tijjani, Executive Secretary of YSCHMA, the meeting brought together a diverse range of stakeholders. These included the State Coordinator of NHIA Yobe State office, Yobe NLC Chairman, National Secretary General of NMA, representatives of the House committee on Health, Chief Medical Directors from Federal Medical Centre Nguru and YSUTH, healthcare providers, Development Partners, and YSCHMA management team.

The meeting marked a critical step towards ensuring that enrollees of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme have access to affordable and qualitative healthcare services. Furthermore, it aligns with the state’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

According to Dr. Baba Gana Tijjani, Executive Secretary of YSCHMA, the agency’s funds are strictly service delivery-focused, ensuring transparency, accountability, justice, and fairness to all.¹ This commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in YSCHMA’s efforts to review and harmonize Capitation, Fee-For-Service Tariffs, and Drugs Prices.

The review meeting is particularly significant, given the recent adjustments made by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to capitation and fee-for-service payments. The NHIA has increased capitation by 93% and implemented a 378% service fee to incentivize healthcare providers and improve service delivery.²

As YSCHMA continues to work towards achieving UHC in Yobe State, the agency’s efforts to revamp healthcare services are commendable. With the support of stakeholders and the commitment to transparency and accountability, YSCHMA is poised to make significant strides in improving healthcare services in the state.